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Widespread power outages in Saskatchewan

Dec 4, 2018 | 10:07 AM

SaskPower is reporting widespread power outages affecting various cities and towns across the province from Regina to Moose Jaw and Weyburn as well as a massive area around Humboldt and Wadena.

According to the website, SaskPower is now calling this a major outage, warning power could be out for an extended period of time. Crews are working to assess and fix the problem but there is no estimated restoration time.

“Right now we’re just in that assessment phase trying to figure out the nature of this outage and the cause of this outage,” Jordan Jackle with SaskPower said on John Gormley Live Tuesday morning.

You can follow SaskPower on Twitter for updates and check the outage map for the full list and status of repairs throughout the day.

Some texters have notified 980 CJME the map is not entirely accurate, showing outages in some areas that still have power and no outages in areas that do not.

Regina Public Schools also tweeted out an update saying the lights are out at many schools and they are monitoring the situation.

Terry Lazarou, media relations consultant for the school division said roughly half the schools in the city are without power but no decision has been made on whether or not to cancel classes if the power outage continues for a long period of time. He encourages parents to watch the twitter page and listen to local media for updates as the website and emails are difficult to update with no computers.

Lazarou said classes at Campus Regina Public have been cancelled because high school students have to be bused there for programs.

Other activities that require students to be bused to other areas of the city have also been cancelled so they can be kept close to their schools in case there is a decision made to cancel classes later.

Regina Catholic Schools are continuing classes in the dark. While 30 out 32 of the schools are without power, Twyla West with the school board said all the buildings have windows for light and the students are warm and safe.

Some of the high schools began releasing students just before 11 a.m.

Classes and offices at the University of Regina have been cancelled for the day.