Photo credit: Jerad Bowes. Tree downed in Saskatoon as winds gust near 80 km/h in winter storm.
A winter storm warning is in effect for much of central Saskatchewan stretching from the Alberta border through Saskatoon and Prince Albert over to Melfort Tisdale but south and east of Saskatoon there are snowfall warnings in place from Humboldt through Kelvington, Kamsack, Canora and Preeceville.
An Alberta clipper tracking across the Prairies spread heavy snow through the region overnight and will continue into this morning. Along with the snow, Environment Canada says strong northerly winds gusting to 70 km/h developed during the overnight hours and will persist. The combination of the freshly fallen snow and strong, gusty winds will create visibility reductions in snow and blowing snow.
Temperatures will fall to well below seasonal values on Monday as the cold front associated with this system passes through the region. Wind chill values will approach or exceed minus 40 Monday night, and again Tuesday night. The bitter cold will begin to moderate later in the week.
Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Snow will taper off through the day on Monday. Many highways are reporting travel not recommended. Click here to know the roads before you go.
In Saskatoon where winds were gusting close to 80 km/h for much of Monday morning, you will need more time to get to where you’re going today. Snow and significant blowing snow in Saskatoon is causing drifting on the freeways. The City of Saskatoon says their crews worked throughout the night and while work has been continuous further snowfall and heavy winds continue to create drifts, even after crews have cleared the snow. The priority while it snows is to keep the driving lanes clear along Circle Drive and the busiest freeway and arterial streets.
If you had plans to fly today, you will want to check departures and arrivals at the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport where many flights are delayed or cancelled.
There have also been several unplanned power outages including in Saskatoon’s East College Park and in Moose Jaw both of which have been repaired. SaskPower Crews expect to work most of Monday morning to repair damaged equipment that has knocked the power out in Humboldt, Bruno, Meacham, Peterson, Totzke, Aberdeen, Elstow, Zelma, rural areas south and east of Prudhomme, and all surrounding rurals.
