During times of blizzard conditions, Portage la Prairie becomes the temporary home for dozens of truck drivers who make their way across the prairies after Highway 1 is closed. Alton Cullins hails from New Brunswick. Dealing with blizzards on his journey to Calgary isn't anything new for him. He shares how he handles these situations.

Alton Cullins"Expecting it? Yeah. Ready? Never. It's just part of running out here. I've been here for a day. I was in Winnipeg for a bit, and I came out here this morning. And now I'm here until tomorrow because I don't think they're going to open the roads tonight. I'm going to Calgary, and I'm supposed to arrive tomorrow. That's not going to happen."

Cullins says he's well experienced with this kind of layover, and notes he was stuck in Alberta on one occasion for four days and even stayed here in the same parking lot by the mall in Portage for three days. He adds he doesn't mind and explains police directed them to get into the city and park near available facilities.

"If you're at the head of the line that's easy," Cullins explains, "but I was way back in the line. So, it took me a while to work my way in, but we got here. Everything is good."

He adds he pulled in and parked at a location where he wouldn't be blocked in, noting he's been blocked before from being able to leave when the highway reopened. Cullins parked his semi in the mall parking lot close to an exit to the roadways.

Five minutes after our interview Cullins heard the highway was once again opened and continued his journey to Calgary.