Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for southeast Saskatchewan – including Estevan, Weyburn and Carlyle areas – in advance of a winter storm expected to strike the region this week.
The agency says a major spring blizzard is poised to wallop the region beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning and lasting through to Friday morning. Widespread snowfall accumulations of 30-50 centimetres, accompanied by northerly winds gusting 70-90 kilometres per hour, will bring zero visibility at times in snow and blowing snow.
A Colorado low will move towards Minnesota Tuesday night, bringing a heavy swath of snow through southeastern Saskatchewan.
“The snow will start early Tuesday evening near the international border then push northward throughout the night. By Wednesday morning heavy snow will be falling in much of the area as the storm continues to push northward. Strong northerly winds will develop with this system and persist into Friday morning as the low slowly pivots through Minnesota on its way into northwestern Ontario.”
This will lead to widespread blizzard conditions developing over the area tonight into early Wednesday morning.
By Friday morning widespread snowfall accumulations of 30-50 centimetres are expected.
Travel will become increasingly difficult as the day progresses Wednesday, with widespread highway closures a near-certainty, Environment Canada said. By Wednesday evening, even travel within communities may become impossible as the heavy snow and strong winds continue. More of the same is expected on Thursday.
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan RCMP have also issued warnings.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reminds residents in the area that SaskAlert is the Government of Saskatchewan's emergency public alerting program. SaskAlert provides critical information on emergencies in real time, so residents can take action to protect themselves, their families and their property.
Emergency alerts issued through SaskAlert will:
- include what the emergency is;
- include where the emergency is happening;
- provide instructions; and
- advise when the incident is over.
The SaskAlert app is a free download, and users can personalize the app and determine what alerts they receive.
In addition to downloading the SaskAlert app, residents are encouraged to be sure they have a 72-hour preparedness kit ready.
In anticipation of poor road conditions, the Saskatchewan RCMP reminds drivers of the following:
- Before travelling, check the weather forecast for both the current location and destination. If travel can be delayed during storm warnings, do so;
- For information on highway conditions/closures in your area, please consult the Highway Hotline;
- Scrape all the ice off your windows before driving;
- Remove all snow from your vehicle, including from your headlights, taillights and roof;
- Slow down on slippery or snowy roads;
- Be gentle and smooth when you accelerate, brake or steer;
- Using cruise control on icy or snowy roads can be dangerous. If you skid, your vehicle will accelerate and rapidly spin its wheels as it tries to maintain a constant speed;
- Be prepared for anything: consider stocking your vehicle with extra warm clothes, candles, matches, non-perishable snacks, a snow shovel, traction mats, booster cables and a tow rope or chain; and
- If you become stranded on the highway, do not leave your vehicle. Turn on your vehicle periodically to warm up, but try to conserve fuel. Make sure your tailpipe remains clear of ice and snow, or carbon monoxide could potentially seep into your vehicle.
