Wind and snowfall warnings in effect for Saskatchewan as late-season storm moves into province

Wind and snowfall warnings from Environment Canada blanketed much of Saskatchewan on Thursday morning as a spring snowstorm makes its way into the province.

Areas around Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Davidson, Outlook and Rosthern were included in the snowfall warning area, with Environment Canada saying 15-20 centimetres of snow is expected by the end of the day.

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“A strong low pressure system will bring heavy snowfall to the region today,” the weather service said in a statement.

“Snow will continue through this morning and be particularly heavy through the day, ending Thursday evening.”

Meanwhile, a large area of southern Saskatchewan, including Regina, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Weyburn and Estevan, was covered by a wind warning, with Environment Canada saying gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected throughout the day on Thursday. The high winds could cause some power outages or other issues with local utilities, the weather service noted.

Wind and snowfall warnings from Environment Canada covered most of Saskatchewan on Thursday as a storm makes its way into the province. (Environment Canada)

Environment Canada meteorologist Keane Kokolsky said the strong wind gusts are expected to roll into the Regina area around noon on Thursday.

“If you’re traveling on a Trans-Canada Highway, it’s going to make for a windy ride, unfortunately,” Kodolsky said.

“Those winds will more or less continue into the weekend, but not as strong. They will just be gusty at times. But today we’ll definitely see the strongest winds from the system.”

Kokolsky said residents of southern Saskatchewan might want to secure any objects in their yards that could be blown around by the high winds.

In the northern areas of the province, even more snow is expected. Areas north of Nipawin, including La Ronge, Stanley Mission and Montreal Lake, could see between a foot and 50 cm of snow over the next two days, Environment Canada said.

“Total snow amounts of 30 to 50 cm are expected by the end of the day Friday, with the heaviest snow expected to fall today. Freezing rain or ice pellets may also cause slippery conditions in some areas, including Cumberland House and parts of Highway 123,” Environment Canada said.

“Snow will begin tapering off Friday night, but light snow will continue into the weekend.”

Communities north of Meadow Lake will also get a significant amount of snow as the storm moves in, Environment Canada said, with 20-30 cm expected to fall by the end of the day on Friday.

Kokolsky said the roads could get hazardous, depending on how much snow accumulates on the ground.

“I just advise people to be careful on the roads if they are traveling,” he said.

He said the snowfall warnings could be expanded later on Thursday.

“We’re pretty confident with where we have it right now, but definitely the surrounding areas – like Humboldt, Nipawin and Melfort areas – there’s definitley the possibility for some accumulating snow there, but not as much as where we have the snowfall warning,” Kokolsky said.

The latest updates on the weather alerts can be found on Environment Canada’s website, and current information on road conditions can be viewed on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.

City of Saskatoon preparing for snow, wind and ice once again

With the stormy weather anticipated, the City of Saskatoon is readying to battle against rain, freezing rain, snow, flurries, wind gusts and icy surfaces.

“These conditions are likely to have a significant impact on travel. Icy surfaces beneath accumulating snow are possible and will reduce traction,” the city said in a news release on Wednesday afternoon. “Drivers will need longer stopping distances. Blowing snow and drifting may lead to sudden visibility changes, particularly on open roadways such as Circle or McOrmond Drive and other priority routes.”

The city advised residents to prepare for slower travel, road conditions that could change quickly and possible delays for the rest of the work week.

“Drivers are strongly encouraged to adjust to conditions, allow extra travel time, maintain a safe following distance and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions deteriorate,” the city release stated, also reminding drivers to be aware of city equipment on the roads, watching for blue and amber flashing lights to give appropriate room to workers during the storm.

City plows, graders and sanders will be on the roads during and after the snowfall. As snow falls, city crews will work to clear high-traffic routes like Circle Drive, Idylwyld Drive, 22nd Street, 8th Street and College Drive.

“Operations will continue day and night as conditions evolve,” the city said.

If a snow event is declared, city residents can follow snow grading online. Saskatoon Transit will adjust service as needed, according to the conditions, the city said.

“Operational planning will account for both the intensity of this storm and conditions following the event. Crews will balance immediate safety priorities with efficient use of resources to maintain safe driving conditions across the city.”

–with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink