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A winter storm travelling through central Saskatchewan began in earnest Tuesday morning, with driving restrictions following throughout the affected region.
As of 4:20 p.m., the Highways Hotline had issued warnings to drivers to stay off the roads in and around Regina, Moose Jaw, Lumsden, and Assiniboia areas. That followed earlier warnings concerning areas around Outlook, Lucky Lake, Findlater, Southey, Beechy and Leader. Around 6 p.m., the Hotline added the Yorkton region to its list of places drivers should stay off the roads.
The situation in Lumsden was enough to warrant a media release from the RCMP. Officers are warning of delays south of town on Highway 11 near Exit C. Three semis were involved in a collision there, which is impacting eastbound traffic. No one was hurt, but officers expect to be there for several hours to help with traffic. They’re asking people to sow down to 60 kilometres an hour when passing emergency vehicles.
The Mounties have also weighed in to urge drivers to stay off roads in the Moose Jaw and White Butte areas, which include much of Highways 1 and 11 between Swift Current and past Regina towards Qu’Appelle.
As of 2:30 p.m., advisories has been retracted for the Central Butte, Rosetown, Kindersley and Kyle areas.
Environment Canada had issued the winter storm warnings the day before, covering areas south of Saskatoon to the U.S. border.
On Tuesday, meteorologist Mike Russo said in areas between Regina and Saskatoon, snowfall totals could be as high as 25 centimetres, or nine inches.
“The intensity should increase as the day goes on and as the system starts to progress eastward. It looks like the worst of it should actually be north of the Trans Canada Highway and south of the Yellowhead,” Russo said.
Russo said Regina should miss the brunt of the storm but could still expect up to 15 cm of snow.
Snow would not be the only thing to worry about.
“There are going to be strong winds that are developing on the backside of the system as it goes through,” Russo said.
“So, with the falling snow, and the strong winds, there’s going to be an issue with blowing snow, especially out in the highways.”
If possible, Russo recommended that people delay any travel plans.
“Better to be travelling tomorrow, as opposed to travelling today.”
