(Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Winter Storm

Winter storm causes power outages in the area, Kinistino and St. Brieux schools cancel classes

Nov 17, 2021 | 10:14 AM

A widespread power outage west of Melfort saw many SaskPower customers in the dark overnight, and there is still no word on when the power may be restored.

St. Brieux, Kinistino, and James Smith Cree Nation lost power Tuesday afternoon after the transmission line that feeds the area sustained damage.

Joel Cherry with SaskPower media relations told northeastNOW in an email on Tuesday evening the power would be out overnight.

“The extreme blizzard conditions are making it too dangerous to conduct the necessary repairs,” Cherry said. “We plan to begin repairs as soon as conditions subside.”

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In total, 2,110 costumers in the area were without power overnight and remain without power this morning.

“At this point we still haven’t established an estimated restore time for the area. Line galloping is very strong, which makes it unsafe to make the necessary repairs,” Cherry said. “We are getting the necessary materials in crews in place to make repairs as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The outage has also led to school closures for today as well. The schools in St. Brieux and Kinistino schools are both closed for the day.

A long list of school bus cancellations for the day as well including all Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division buses for both urban and rural students.

SaskTel is also experiencing several service outages due to the ongoing winter storm.

In a release, Yellow Creek, Maude Lake, Kinistino, and James Smith Cree Nation were all listed as having outages.

SaskTel crews will begin restoration efforts when highway conditions improve, and it is safe to travel.

More disruptions are expected as back-up battery power depletes if commercial power is not restored.

Area highway conditions are beginning to improve as most have been moved from ‘travel not recommended’ status to ‘winter conditions’ on the Highway Hotline.

Highways around Regina were closed but have reopened however it is still travel not recommended. Highway six from Raymore to Regina, and highway 11 from Regina to Saskatoon are included.

Motorists are encouraged to postpone any non-essential travel until the system moves out of the region. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit that includes water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

The winter storm warning is still in effect with strong winds in the forecast until the middle of the afternoon. The storm is expected to taper tonight.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser