Both Environment Canada and the Highway Hotline were warning drivers about poor road conditions across much of central Saskatchewan on Monday. (Highway Hotline/X)

By paNOW Staff

TRAVEL NOT RECOMMENDED

Blast of winter causing havoc on Sask. highways

Feb 26, 2024 | 8:12 AM

Much of Saskatchewan is waking up to a blast of winter weather Monday.

“An Alberta clipper tracking across the Prairies spread heavy snow through the region overnight and will continue into Monday morning,” Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a statement.

Winter storm and snowfall warnings from the weather service remained in effect across central Saskatchewan including Prince Albert, the Battlefords, and parts of the northeast.

Extreme cold warnings are also in place for communities in the far north including Fond du Lac, Stony Rapids, and Uranium City, where windchills could hit minus 45 or colder.

(Environment Canada)

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Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline is reporting winter and season driving conditions among the majority of central Saskatchewan. Travel is also not recommended on Highway 11 from MacDowell to Saskatoon, Highway 16 around Radisson, and all roads in and out of Biggar and Wilkie.

(Highway Hotline)

Stephen Berg, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the storm hasn’t wrapped up just yet.

“It’s still ongoing,” Berg said, noting the province can expect a few more centimetres of snow, along with blowing snow and high winds.

“That’s expected to sweep the southern part of Saskatchewan for most of the day,” Berg said.

Berg said the storm brought wind gusts up to 70 kilometres per hour in Saskatoon, and while it was difficult to estimate snowfall totals he said the areas under the winter storm warning could expect between 10 and 20 centimetres by the time the storm ends.

Some highway groups on Facebook have shared some of their experiences driving Monday morning. Many users reported white-out conditions around Rosthern and Warman as several cars hitting the ditches on Highway 11.

Berg emphasized that travel could be hazardous.

“Anybody who’s thinking about travelling, be very, very careful. This is a big system and lots of hazards. Some possible ice on the roads as well from some lingering freezing rain in the eastern part of Saskatchewan,” he said.

Berg is hopeful the worst of the system will pass by late Monday afternoon and into the evening. However, bitter windchills will follow as the low temperatures for Monday night and Tuesday night could reach the minus 30s.

–With files from 650 CKOM

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panews@pattisonmedia.com