Blowing snow and high winds lead to 40-vehicle pile-up

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 1, 2022.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A snarl of 40 vehicles closed the Trans-Canada Highway in both directions for several hours on Monday afternoon as blowing snow and freezing conditions descended on the region.

The RCMP reported that a multiple vehicle pile-up west of Suffield shut down traffic at about 10:30 a.m., though no injuries were reported.

Eastbound lanes were open again after 3 p.m., and one westbound lane was opened at the same time.

Snow showers in the city left roads slick combined with wind gusts of up to 75 km/h at about 11 a.m.

Near-freezing temperatures at 9 a.m. fell through the day toward a forecast low of -18C. That mark was the forecast high for Tuesday and Wednesday, before a return to warmer temperatures at the end of the week.

Snow- and ice-covered conditions also were reported on Monday along Highway 3 from Seven Persons to Coaldale, and Highway 61, west of Manyberries, and Highway 36, north of Taber.

Partially covered conditions were reported on Highway 41, south of the Trans-Canada, and the TCH from Brooks through to Swift Current.

Power outage

A gusty return to winter weather on Monday morning knocked out power to about 4,000 homes and businesses in the south end of the city.

The largest outage area was in the communities of Saamis Heights and along S. Boundary Road when lines were knocked down at about 9 a.m.

Holsom Road, Broadway Avenue in Redcliff, and several other areas were also affected, though power was restored to almost all customers by 1 p.m.

In the region, about 150 residences in areas near Seven Persons and south of Foremost were left without power beginning at 10 a.m. as storm conditions blew into the region, according to Equs, the rural electrification association.

Heavy winds also knocked out power for clusters of rural residents near Vauxhall.

Residents in Suffield were also without power beginning at 10 a.m., according to Fortis Alberta, which stated 72 accounts were affected and would be back online shortly after 1 p.m.

Few power problems were reported by SaskPower.

In southwest Saskatchewan, travel was not recommended on highways 37 (to Shaunavon), 32 (east of Leader), 4 (north or south of Swift Current) as well as numerous roads in the Kindersley region as a blizzard conditions set in during the mid-morning hours.

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