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Saskatchewan RCMP has been dealing with treacherous road conditions in southern Saskatchewan with freezing rain, snow and strong winds causing road closures and detours.
RCMP said in a news release that officers were dealing with two collisions on Highway 1, west of Belle Plaine, where a semi jacknifed and another collision near Caronport as well as a number of other traffic-related incidents and highway closures.
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A stretch of Highway 7 in west-central Saskatchewan was closed Saturday afternoon after multiple crashes involving semi-trailers and maintenance vehicles.
Travel is not recommended in the region, with the provincial highway hotline reporting widespread icy conditions from Rosetown west toward Delisle.
The Montrose Volunteer Fire Department said in a social media update Highway 7 between Delisle and Laura was closed. Emergency crews reported numerous vehicles in the ditch, including several semis and highway plow trucks.
Flight delays in Saskatoon
In Saskatoon, the freezing rain caused havoc at the airport, grounding all departures and arrivals for several hours.
CJ Dushinski, SKYXE spokesperson, said “although the runway was actively being treated for ice, the continued freezing rain made it difficult to ensure proper conditions for airlines to operate safely.”
By 11:30 a.m. she said conditions improved enough that airlines began resuming flights in and out of the airport, however there are arrival and departure delays listed on the airport’s website, with both WestJet and Air Canada flights, to and from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun.
Dushinski said all passengers should check the status of their flights directly with their airline.
Warm-up causing chaotic weather
Brad Vrolijk, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says the freezing rain developed as Saskatchewan moved out of a prolonged deep freeze.
“Big picture, we’re in a transition right now. We’ve had very cold temperatures over the last couple of weeks across southern Saskatchewan, and we have a big warm-up moving in now.”
Vrolijk says the warming trend led to mixed precipitation across much of the province overnight.
“With that warmer weather, we’ve had a mix of precipitation move through the province. Many areas have seen snow, many areas have seen freezing rain, and there’s even been some rain as temperatures climb above zero.”
He says the band of freezing rain stretched across much of Saskatchewan.
“There was a band of freezing rain that developed roughly from the Lloydminster–North Battleford corridor, southeast through Saskatoon, down Highway 11 toward Moose Jaw and Regina, and then toward Estevan.”
Vrolijk says ice-covered highways were widely reported early this morning but conditions should improve in southern areas as temperatures rise, but warns travel farther north may remain challenging.
“That will probably improve as temperatures climb above zero in the Regina area today. If anyone needs to travel farther north, it’ll be slower to warm up through those regions.”
Vrolijk says the province is moving toward a calmer, warmer pattern.
“We’re moving into a pretty pleasant pattern for the region, with much warmer temperatures expected over the next week.”
But he cautions that winter isn’t over yet.
“I’m definitely not going to say it’s the end of winter, but I think we can all enjoy a break from how cold it’s been.”
RCMP said motorists should check road conditions before travelling, and check the weather forecast, adding that if poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecast, they should consider delaying travel if possible.
If travel is necessary, police said drivers should stay on roads that have recently received road maintenance.
Travellers can access information on road conditions and see which roads have been plowed, salted, and/or sanded within the last two hours on the Highway Hotline map.
The Highway Hotline had a number of highways in the province listed as travel not recommended, represented here by blue lines) on Dec. 31, 2025. (Highway Hotline website)
RCMP also asked that people avoid calling 911 or local RCMP detachments for updates on road conditions, adding that the 911 number should only be used for emergencies and crimes in progress. Using it in non-emergency situations could prevent someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help, they said.
Tips for safe winter driving
Travelling safely during winter driving conditions requires additional attention and skill, RCMP said. When driving on slippery and /or snow-covered surfaces or with reduced visibility, motorists should:
Slow down: Travel at a speed that allows you to keep control of your vehicle, even if this is slower than the speed limit.
Make smooth manoeuvres: Make soft, fluid movements when steering, accelerating, and braking.
Refrain from using cruise control: If you go into a skid while using cruise control, your vehicle will continue to accelerate and the tires will spin, preventing you from stopping your vehicle.
Maintain a safe following distance: Leave additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, allowing for sudden stops.
Stay on main roads: Main highways are first to be cleared and travelling on them increases your visibility if you get stranded.
Use your headlights: If it is snowing or raining, drive with your headlights on at all times.
Tips for safe travelling in winter
Saskatchewan RCMP’s website suggests people take the following precautions to help keep drivers, passengers and other road users safe:
Stock your vehicle
All winter travellers should pack an emergency kit to be prepared for serious weather conditions or a roadside emergency, which should include:
- Additional warm clothing (including footwear, mittens, and toques)
- Candles and matches
- A tow chain or rope
- Nourishing, non-perishable food items (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Drinking water
- A blanket or sleeping bag
- A cellphone and charger
- A first aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- A flashlight
- A snow brush and shovel
- Traction mats, a bag of sand, or non-clumping cat litter for traction
- Booster cables
- Hand warmers
- A whistle
Before you drive
Prepare your vehicle appropriately for weather conditions by:
- Adding antifreeze to your radiator and gas line.
- Putting winter tires on your vehicle.
- Topping up windshield wiper fluid and ensuring windshield wipers are working.
- Scraping your windshield, rear and side windows, and brushing off all snow.
- Cleaning off headlights, tail lights, and signal lights.
- Clearing your heater air intake.
- Moving items away from defroster outlets inside the vehicle.
- Keeping your gas tank more than half full.
- Telling a family member or friend where you’re headed and when you expect to arrive.
- Familiarizing yourself with your route and don’t rely on GPS.
If you are stranded
If you find yourself in an emergency situation where you are stranded roadside:
Always stay with your vehicle: This is your best chance for survival and helps police locate you.
Stay warm: Periodically turn your vehicle on, but be mindful to conserve your fuel and battery. Put on your emergency winter clothing before you get cold, and use candles to keep warm if necessary.
Make sure your tailpipe remains clear: Ice and snow can block it, meaning carbon monoxide could potentially seep into your vehicle.
Get some fresh air: Periodically lower your window slightly on the side of your vehicle that is downwind, allowing for fresh air to enter the vehicle.
Be careful: When shovelling or trying to push your vehicle, do not over-exert yourself.
— with files by 980 CJME’s Jacob Bamhour, 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff and Jenny Hagan, WestCentralOnline
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