Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
Most major highways in Saskatchewan were open for travel on Saturday morning, as people in southern and central parts of the province had to pull out snow blowers and shovels after snow and icy weather stormed its way across the province this week.
Highway 1 from Carmichael to the Alberta border has a travel not recommended designation, as the road is affected by reduced visibility, ice, loose snow, swirling and drifting snow.
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Highway 16 near Borden was open again after being closed late Friday afternoon by Saskatchewan RCMP after “numerous” weather-related incidents caused by reduced visibility and icy conditions, but travel was not recommended from Maymont to North Battleford or Paynton to Maidstone as the highway was still affected by slush and ice.
Rosetown RCMP were also dealing with a jackknifed semi blocking the westbound lane of Highway 7, near Fiske but that has also been cleared.
All weather alerts have been lifted in the province, but light snow is expected to continue in Regina and a further 2-4 cm of snow will fall in Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, Melfort, Nipawin, and Meadow Lake, according to Environment Canada.
Travel not recommended on some provincial roads
Travel was not recommended on the following roads on Saturday morning:
Highway 1:
Carmichael to the Alberta border affected by reduced visibility, ice, loose snow, swirling and drifting snow.
Moose Jaw area:
Assiniboia area roads affected by reduced visibility, slush, ice, loose snow, swirling and drifting snow.
Swift Current area:
Maple Creek roads, affected by reduced visibility, ice, loose snow, swirling and drifting snow.
Leader roads, affected by ice, packed snow, swirling and drifting snow.
Morse area roads affected by ice and drifting snow
Saskatoon area:
Rosthern and Wakaw roads affected by reduced visibility, slush, ice, loose snow, swirling and drifting snow.
North Battleford area
Highway 16 (Paynton to Maidstone), Highway 29 (Wilkie to Battleford), Highway 324 (from the junction of Highway 378 to Mayfair), Highway 376 (from the junction of Highway 40 to the junction of Highway 324) and Highway 378 (from the junction Highway 4 to Junction Highway 324). All affected by ice.
Highway 16 (Maymont to North Battleford), affected by slush and ice.
Highway 7 (Delisle to Fiske), affected by ice, loose snow, swirling snow and drifting snow.
Prince Albert area:
Nipawin area, affected by ice and loose snow.
Prince Albert North area, affectected by slush, ice, loose snow and swirling snow.
Prince Albert South area affected by ice and loose snow.
Highway 240 (from the junction of Highway 55 to Prince Albert National Park boundary) and Highway 55-10-60 (Canwood to Marchantgrove) affected by slush, ice and loose snow.
Meadow Lake area:
Green Lake area roads affected by ice, loose snow, snow drifts, swirling and drifting snow.
St Walburg area, affected by reduced visibility, slush, ice, loose snow and drifting snow.
Highway 3 (Glaslyn to the junction of Highway 17) and Livelong Access (from the junction of Highway 3 to Livelong) affected by ice, and swirling snow.
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.
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 driving in wintry conditions
Travelling safely during wintery 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.
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