As snow removal continues in North West Saskatchewan, a freezing rain warning presents another challenge for drivers. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

freezing rain

Freezing rain warning in effect for northwest Saskatchewan

Jan 13, 2022 | 3:08 PM

As light snowfall comes down in northwest Saskatchewan, a freezing rain warning is in effect for the Battlefords and several communities to the south.

Due to the warm front making its way through the province, some areas will experience periods of freezing rain periodically. Surfaces, such as highways, walkways and parking lots may become hazardous if ice develops.

In the Battlefords, the forecast has an overnight low of -9 Celsius followed by a high of -6 C on Friday and 0 C on Saturday. Meadow Lake will be a little colder Thursday evening, with a low of -13 C but has similar daily highs heading into the weekend and doesn’t a freezing rain warning.

Things will then gradually cool down next week, with highs of -16 C and -19 C on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Meadow Lake hitting -18 C and -21 C respectively.

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Temperatures earlier in the week that hit above zero degrees were much warmer than normal for this time of year, where the average high is around -12 C, though meteorologist Sara Hoffman noted this is nowhere near record setting. The Battlefords high mark for January 12 was 8 C in 1996.

“However, I can certainly say this is much warmer than normal,” she said.

Even without the snowfall — which is expected to total anywhere from two to five cm — Hoffman said the freeze thaw cycles is a concern, as snow melting on surfaces then refreezing overnight, can be quite hazardous.

“Even a little freezing rain on surface can be impactful,” she said. “And even without precipitation, that can be hazardous on walkways and roadways.”

For those traveling outside of their communities, Hoffman urged for the usual methods of caution.

“I would recommend you check the road conditions before you head out and always make sure you have a winter safety kit in your vehicles.”

And she added that motorists can’t trust warmer temperatures when it comes to wearing winter attire, no matter how much of a contrast it is the holiday cold snap.

“It can get quite cold, especially when you’re waiting for help.”

Clearing efforts continue

Snow removal crews have been busy in areas like the Battlefords for the most frequently used roads and were still in action Thursday. As freeze-thaw cycles continue, more work will likely be required.

Stewart Schafer, The City of North Battleford’s Director of Operations, said they will have the sanding trucks out again to keep the roads clear.

“Now that’s it’s warmed up, the sand and salt will do a little better than with the -30s and -40s that we had,” he said.

Schafer also stressed the importance of residents not parking on the street when it’s a non-parking situation, in part because of damage to one of the snow graders.

“If we go around a car, we drop the snow gate,” he said. “If we have to rent another machine that will cause problems.”

Emergency crews braced for use

Fire crews and emergency responder have had a very busy winter and are used to getting calls during periods where there’s freezing rain. North Battleford fire chief Lindsay Holm said the department hasn’t yet dealt with highway incidents in the past 48 hours, but crews are ready to be deployed, given the warning from Environment Canada.

“Five minutes can have a pretty dramatic effect with icy roads developing and you might not see the ice conditions that are developing on roadways,” he said.

Since roadways are not in ideal shape, Holm advised taking extra time to get to your destination and tread carefully when approaching red lights.

“Take that little bit of extra caution and start slowing down when you’re coming to that intersection.”

Highway conditions are available on Highway Hotline.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW