Unusal February weather closes roads and offices

Mild temperatures and overnight rain forced the community to close the roads and offices this morning. 

Sandy Lake residents have been advised not to take to the roads as the maintenance crews work to make the roads safe and driveable.  The band office is expected to re-open by this afternoon, providing the road conditions improve.

Sandy Lake Community Development Services Inc. have also reported the winter roads are closed until further notice.  Also know as the The Corporation, they manage the construction and maintenance of the winter roads for Sandy Lake.

The local police station reported vehicles going into the ditch, including a grader and tractor, but no serious accidents or injuries.

Environment Canada has issued freezing rain and winter storm watch warnings for most of the region in the past couple of days.  The unusally mild temperatures, hovering around 0 degrees celsius, are expected to continue until tomorrow. 

Airlines have had to cancel their flights in and out of Sandy Lake (a remote fly-in community) both yesterday and today keeping travellers grounded until the weather improves.