CORNER BROOK The latest weather bomb to hit western Newfoundland has brought the region to a virtual standstill.
Traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway has literally been halted as the RCMP has closed the section of highway between the Riverside Drive and Massey Drive exits into Corner Brook because whiteout conditions have led to several vehicles going off the road and several transport trucks stuck on the road.
All traffic is being re-routed into the city of Corner Brook via the Massey Drive or Riverside Drive exits for an undetermined amount of time because of the high winds causing zero visibility.
An update on the situation on the Trans-Canada Highway is expected early afternoon.
The police are urging people to stay off all roads throughout the western region as snow squalls continue to cause whiteout conditions.
Most schools in western Newfoundland, including post-secondary institutions, have closed for the entire day. Provincial court and the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador have also cancelled all matters on their respective dockets for the day.
The MV Sir Robert Bond, which was originally scheduled to leave Corner Brook for Blanc Sablon on Monday morning remains docked at the city port.
Two of Marine Atlantic’s ferries, the MV Blue Puttees and the MV Highlanders, are both docked in Port aux Basques and won’t be going anywhere until at least late Tuesday night.
Environment Canada is calling for the weather to clear up Tuesday afternoon.
