Looking to go for a drive around pretty much anywhere in northern Manitoba or Saskatchewan today? Here's a tip - don't.
Roads throughout northern regions of both provinces are either partially covered or completely covered in snow, according to the highways departments of both provinces.
Around the Flin Flon/Creighton/Denare Beach area, both of the main roads out of town are considered to be covered in snow as of noon Tuesday. Saskatchewan Highway 106 and 167 - the Hanson Lake Road and the road to Denare Beach - are listed by the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline as "snow packed", "heavy snow", "zero visibility" and "travel not recommended" as of Tuesday morning. Conditions for areas of Highway 106 closer to Smeaton are slightly more favourable, with better visibility but still plenty of sections of blowing or loose snow.
In Manitoba, Manitoba 511 lists both Manitoba Highway 10 and northern portions of Highway 6 as "snow covered", "blowing/drifting snow" and "poor visibility".
Other highways and roads throughout the north are covered and visibility is poor. No highways or roads that are part of the typical provincial highway systems are closed due to the snow - several roads are listed as "closed" by Manitoba 511, but those are ice roads that would not typically open until January.
Weather warnings still in effect for regions around Flin Flon and Creighton are cautioning against all non-essential travel Tuesday, with poor visibility and "deteriorating travel conditions".
"This system and its effects will exit our region on Wednesday evening," read the warnings.
"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations."
Within Flin Flon, City of Flin Flon bus services have been cancelled for Nov. 16 and City crews are out clearing streets, starting with main streets then moving to side streets. The Town of Creighton outright told residents to stay home if possible Tuesday with an online statement.
"Please, if it is not necessary for you to go out and about today, stay home. We need time to clear the roads. Travel is not recommended," reads the statement.
Classes were cancelled at all five schools in the Flin Flon and Creighton area Tuesday as a result of the snow.
