Numerous crashes and road closures were reported in Winnipeg and parts of southern Manitoba as a snowstorm hit parts of the province Monday.
Monday afternoon, the province announced Highway 75 was closed from Morris to the U.S. border due to poor conditions.
Around 4 p.m. Monday, Winnipeg police said both westbound and eastbound Fermor Avenue, east of Lagimodiere Boulevard, was closed to traffic. Vehicles were being diverted north and south on Lagimodiere.
By noon on Monday, more than 15 cm of snow had fallen in Winnipeg.
Monday morning, snowfall warnings were in effect for much of southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg. Environment Canada listed complete weather warnings on its website.
RCMP were recommending extra caution on all highways in and near Lac Du Bonnet, Pinawa and Whitemouth due to slippery roads and drifting snow. They said delays in emergency response times may occur due to the conditions. Road conditions are also listed on the province's website or by calling 511.
Several Manitoba schools were closed Monday due to the weather.
In Winnipeg, police also reported Monday afternoon that Marion Street between Holden Street and Lagimodiere Boulevard was closed to traffic due to a water main break. Holden Street between Duglad Road and Marion was also closed to traffic.
The City of Winnipeg said it’s using about 250 pieces of equipment and is spending roughly $1 million to clear priority streets, bus routes and sidewalks of snow.
“It looked like spring was headed our way and now we’re back into it today. But we’re doing what we do best here in public works and we’re plowing snow,” said Ken Allen from public works with the City of Winnipeg.
The city said there are currently no plans to clear residential streets. Officials will assess whether those streets need to be cleared in upcoming days.
