Storm closes schools, impacts highways, delays services; city extends parking ban

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This article was published 11/01/2024 (666 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Divisions across Manitoba have shuttered schools and some highways were closed due to a snowstorm hammering southern Manitoba.

The City of Winnipeg also extended its temporary winter route parking ban.

School closures include: Hanover School Division, Red River Valley School Division, Seine River School Division, Lord Selkirk School Division, Interlake School Division, Prairie Rose School Division and Sunrise School Division.

A jack-knifed tractor-trailer on the Trans-Canada Highway near Portage la Prairie prompted a road closure.

The heavy snow that began Wednesday contributed to a number of vehicle crashes.

Most highways that were temporarily closed have since re-opened as weather conditions improved.

The jackknifed semi-trailer and a second minor collision in the same area on eastbound Highway 1 at Angle Road near Portage were cleared as of late Thursday morning.

There were no traffic fatalities on provincial highways Wednesday night, Manitoba RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Julie Courchaine said. However, RCMP responded at about 7:40 a.m. Thursday to a serious collision in the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis on Road 340.

Courchaine provided no details.

“We urge the public to be safe when going out on the roadways as road conditions and visibility are poor. Always check Manitoba 511 to ensure the routes you are taking are open. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you. Always drive to conditions. Take extra time as we want everyone to get to their destination safely.”

As of early Thursday afternoon, many highways in rural Manitoba remained partly covered with snow or ice.

Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway reopened late in the morning after being shut down because of slippery conditions Wednesday night.

Periods of snow are expected in the city Thursday, but the storm should taper off by the evening.

The city extended its temporary winter route parking ban after the heavy snowfall.

The ban prohibits parking on designated winter routes from midnight to 7 a.m. It will be in place until 7 a.m. Sunday.

The winter routes take priority for snow-clearing and ice-control.

Vehicles parked in violation of the ban will face a $100 ticket ($75 if paid early). They might also be taken to a towing company’s compound.

The seasonal winter route parking ban will start as scheduled at 2 a.m. Tuesday and will likely be in place until spring.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is also advising residents of Winnipeg that community health services — home care services, in particular — may be affected by the storm Thursday.

“Weather-related service delays or cancellations are possible for clients, due to large amounts of snow, and its impact on transportation and access to clients,” said a news release Thursday morning. “Every effort will be made to maintain existing schedules. However, some weather-related delays or cancellations may be inevitable.”

Clients wishing to cancel or postpone their own visits may contact their case co-ordinator or nurse, or the after-hours service line at 204-788-8331.

The following highways have reopened:

Highway 100 and the Perimeter

Highway 16, from Neepawa to Highway 50

Highway 3, from highways 14 to 3

Highway 14, from highways 75 to 34

Highway 1 eastbound, at Angle Road at Portage la Prairie