Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for several areas including:
Saskatoon, Kindersley, Martensville, Outlook, Prince Albert, and the Battlefords areas. Severe winds gusting to 100 km/h will develop by midday and persist for the day. Sudden, significant reductions in visibility due to snow and blowing snow are likely and whiteout conditions will be possible at times. Temperatures will quickly fall, leading to a rapid freeze of surfaces such as roadways and walkways throughout the storm.
The worst of the winds, snow, and blowing snow will continue into the evening before finally easing through the night. Snowfall totals of about 10 to 15 cm are expected. Conditions will continue to steadily improve through Tuesday.
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
There is a wind warning for Regina, Humboldt, Wynyard, Wadena, Lanigan, Foam Lake. Severe winds gusting to 100 km/h and potential blowing snow Monday. The onset of strong winds will also see temperatures fall quickly, and scattered rain showers will give way to pockets of localized heavier snow continuing into the night. With the severe winds, visibilities may be suddenly reduced at times in snow and blowing snow.
The City of Saskatoon is preparing to adjust its winter maintenance operations in response to the winter storm warning.
Road crews will respond with treating priority streets and access to emergency services. Intersections, bridges and school zones are also high priority.
Sanding and/or salting will be carried out as needed. Crews are prepared with 15 graders, 10 front plows with sanders, 4 underbelly plows, 20 sanders and 11 sidewalk plows as well as numerous other pieces of equipment.
Residents should note that sidewalks and streets may develop icy conditions as temperatures drop and snow accumulates.
SaskPower is gearing up for the coming winter storm. The Crown Corporation says it has crews and resources on standby to respond to any outages that may occur.
The company is recommending that anyone who comes across downed power lines or damaged SaskPower infrastructure stay back 10 metres -that’s about 33 feet – and call them at 310-2220, or 911 in case of an emergency.
