That’s one nasty windstorm we have here. Downtown has several streets blocked off and apparently the SGI building was evacuted because it was unsafe–as in, “felt the building move” unsafe. (CBC)

Have calls out, will update this post as details become available.

UPDATE 2:28 PM: According to the City’s website, 11th Ave. between McIntyre and Rose is closed to all traffic. Obviously, this has disrupted bus service. The City of Regina has more information on its website.

UPDATE 2: Just got the City’s press release. You can read it after the jump.

City’s Response to Extreme Wind Conditions

Bus Detours in Effect

Due to extreme wind conditions and under the direction of Regina Police Service, Regina Transit in the downtown area has been re-routed. 11th Avenue between Rose and McIntyre streets is closed to all traffic.  Police barricades are in effect.  Individuals needing to catch the bus can do so at the 1800 blocks of Broad and Albert streets, at the north entrance of the Cornwall Centre on Saskatchewan Drive and at the transfer point on 12th Avenue.

The Transit Information Centre on 11th Avenue is currently closed until further notice. Calls for the RIDE Line are still being answered.  There may be delays due to a high volume of calls.

Paratransit trips into the downtown area have been cancelled.  However, all clients in the downtown area will be picked up.

City Facilities

Computers are down at North West Leisure Centre because the wind has damaged the wireless antenna.  Lessons are still scheduled, but the facility cannot accept registrations at this time.

All other recreation facilities are operational.

Garbage Collection

Collection is operating on a normal schedule. We are asking people to remove emptied garbage carts from the street.

Landfill

We are recommending due to the winds that people not to go to the City Landfill.

Tree Damage

City crews are responding to calls related to tree damage on a priority basis. Trees and branches that are causing safety issues will be removed first.  Crews will continue to work on other tree and branch removal over the next several days.