The province says multiple major highways around Winnipeg have reopened, after they were forced to close Friday due to poor winter driving conditions, reduced visibility and a multi-vehicle collision, Manitoba RCMP say.
Several major highways, including the Trans-Canada, were closed for hours due to poor winter driving conditions and blowing snow. The province progressively opened the roads Saturday morning, with a final stretch of Hwy. 26 near Portage la Prairie opening just before 2:30 Saturday afternoon.
Environment Canada issued a yellow alert Friday, warning drivers that blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero in some locations south and southeast of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.
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By Saturday, the alert was lifted, though a yellow cold warning remained in effect in northwestern parts of the province.
“I also want to thank the Manitobans and communities who stepped up – opening shelters, bringing food, and helping people stranded on our highways,” Premier Wab Kinew posted on X Saturday. “That’s who we are.
Police responded to several crashes as a result of the storm, including a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 1 between Headingley and Portage la Prairie early Friday, forcing the highway’s closure. One of the crashes involved five vehicles including an RCMP vehicle. No serious injuries reported.
Particularly in winter, drivers are advised to turn on their lights, slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and monitor alerts from Environment Canada.
Motorists are also urged to postpone travel and can use this map to check conditions before heading out.
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