Road Reports

A tornado watch has been issued for Kenora, Grassy Narrows, Whitedog, Sioux Narrows, Nestor Falls, Morson, and the surrounding communities.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h, nickel to ping-pong ball size hail and heavy rain.

Thunderstorms developing over Manitoba will track through the area this evening. Strong wind gusts and large hail are possible within these thunderstorms. There is also the potential for tornadoes to develop.

Lake of the Woods continues to decline after reaching a near historic level earlier this summer.

The Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) says the average level of Lake of the Woods declined by 6 cm (2 in) over the past week to 324.0 m (1063.0 ft), which is over the 95th percentile level for this time of year.

Upstream, the damns at Rainy Lake will once again be reactivated - meaning less water will flow into Lake of the Woods - and with the damns in Kenora remaining fully open the level of Lake of the Woods will see an increase in its rate of decline. 

According to witness reports, shortly before 3 P.M. traffic began to back up heading eastbound on Yankee Valley Boulevard underneath the QEII bridge. 

A witness told Discover Airdrie that it appeared a vehicle collision had occurred. A grey car that was in the right lane had its airbags deployed. Fire crews along with police were on the scene.

There is no word on injuries or if another vehicle was involved.

An update will be provided when and if it is made available. 

Starting on 9 A.M. on Monday, July 25, the Southbound median lane will be closed on the QEII highway. The lane closure will last until 3 P.M. 

According to the city of Airdrie, the lane closures will occur from Monday through till Wednesday, July 27, in order to accommodate the loading and unloading of material at the median in the work zone. 

The Tuesday and Wednesday lane closure is also expected to start at 9 A.M. till 3 P.M. 

Crews with the City of Kenora are working to repair a number of roadways in the area after this week’s two torrential downpours.

A section of Gould Road is now closed between addresses #293 and #326, as well as Transmitter Road between #488 and #515. The area has three large culverts and fast-moving water is now over the roadway.

Washouts and floods continue to plague drivers in the region.

The Ministry of Transportation is now reporting that Highway 601 is closed in both directions at McGogy Road North near Dryden.

Traffic control is in place and drivers are asked to use caution in the area.

The City of Dryden says the closure, from Scott Street to Theil Road, is to complete emergency repairs to the Swanson Creek Bridge.

Due to extreme rain last night, parts of the highway to Grassy Narrows are covered in water.  

According to Ontario 511, Highway 671 near the CNR Crossing, approximately 36km north of Highway 17A, is blocked due to water over the road. One lane is closed at this time.

Not much is known of the damage yet but Ontario 511 recommends all drivers proceed with caution when using the highway.

Starting at 9 P.M. on Thursday, July 21 till 5 A.M. on July 22, the northbound lanes of the QEII will be closed to accommodate overhang bracket installation on the QEII overpass in the work zone.

The Thursday to Friday morning lane closure will affect the northbound far-left double lanes.

Another lane closure will also be implemented on Friday, July 22, starting at 9 P.M till 5 A.M. on Saturday. That lane closure will affect the northbound far-right double lanes.

The Calgary Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Edmonton Police Service will be starting Escort Training throughout Calgary on Monday, July 18.

"Citizens can expect to see motorcycle officers and other marked police vehicles escorting a large motorcade throughout Calgary. The scenario-based training will require the officers to constantly employ emergency lights and sirens," stated a social media post from the Calgary police.

-- UPDATE --

The storm system has passed.

-- ORIGINAL STORY --

As per Environment Canada:

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain.

These thunderstorms moving eastward from Manitoba will be possible through early tonight.