Yukon is currently experiencing a severe cold spell, leading to various challenges for residents. The plummeting temperatures have resulted in frozen gas pumps, flight diversions, canceled school bus services, and an increase in road accidents. The frigid conditions are forecasted to persist, with temperatures expected to remain below -30°C, and even dropping below -40°C, throughout the coming week.
Whitehorse woke up to dense ice fog on Thursday morning, causing two planes, an Air North flight and an Air Canada flight, to be diverted due to poor visibility. Airport manager Nigel Cripps stated that such occurrences are not uncommon in extremely cold weather, but airport staff and airlines are prepared to handle such situations efficiently.
The extreme cold also impacted motorists, with gas pumps at stations like Pelly Crossing, where temperatures reached -45°C overnight, not functioning properly. RCMP reported a notable increase in motor vehicle collisions in Whitehorse, largely attributed to drivers following too closely, speeding in hazardous conditions, or failing to clear their windows of snow and ice.
Yukon RCMP spokesperson Calista MacLeod emphasized the importance of adjusting driving speeds according to visibility and weather conditions, urging drivers to maintain proper tire pressure as underinflated tires can lead to loss of control. In a separate development, the territory’s education minister issued an apology to families and students for the confusion caused by the department’s handling of school bus operations during the cold weather.
The minister clarified that schools will remain open in cold weather, and school buses will continue to operate safely. Efforts are underway to enhance the notification system for bus cancellations to ensure families are promptly informed. This initiative follows instances where bus services were canceled without timely notification due to the severe cold weather conditions.