City crews brace for severe windstorm, possible snow squalls in Saskatoon

The City of Saskatoon is preparing for the worst but hoping for the best as a storm that’s expected to hit much of the southern part of the province churns towards major centres.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning, with gusts up to 110 kilometre per hour expected Wednesday evening or overnight. A snow squall watch has also been issued.

Along with the exceptionally strong winds, brief, intense periods of snowfall with near-zero visibility could occur.

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Saskatoon’s emergency management director, asked people to stay off the roads if at all possible.

“With the extreme winds and the ice conditions, this can contribute to drifting and whiteout conditions (and) loss of vehicle control and can just be very dangerous,” she said.

If residents must travel, she recommended people check out the Highway Hotline to see what conditions are at the time.

In addition to staying off the roads, she asked people to store away or tie down loose objects.

“(Secure them) so they can’t be tossed around in the wind or cause injury or damage,” she said. “So if you’ve still got those inflatable Christmas decorations up, this would be a really good time to get them in before these winds hit, or you don’t know where you’re going to find them.”

Goulden-McLeod says that also goes for garbage and recycling bins. Residents should be prepared for potential power outages by having an emergency kit, extra food, extra batteries and some flashlights around. It’s also a good idea to make sure phones and computers are fully charged.

Sixteen salting and sanding trucks are out in Saskatoon preparing intersections, main roads and bridges. Up to 200 people, along with equipment needed to potentially clear roads, are on standby. Drivers are asked to give crews lots of room to work and to pay attention to road conditions.

Saskatoon Light and Power crews also were ready to go, in the event there are reports of power outages.

Goulden-McLeod encouraged people to pay attention to radio reports and to follow Environment Canada for updates.