Highways reopen, but some schools closed and city traffic perilous after 2-system storm hits Sask.
The recent snowstorm in Saskatchewan has left highways across the province treacherous, with up to 30 centimetres of snow falling in some areas. The heavy snowfall and high winds have made driving conditions extremely dangerous, with semi trucks and trailers getting blown off the road. Todd Davidson, owner of Davidson Truck and Tractor in Moosomin, had to pull about 15 vehicles out of the ditch overnight Tuesday due to icy roads.
Highway 1 from Balgonie to the Manitoba border was closed overnight and re-opened Wednesday morning, although travel is still not recommended on the road. Jitender Saini, who works at the Flying J Travel Center near Balgonie, reported seeing a long line of cars stretching for several kilometres along the highway. City streets in Regina were also deemed extremely dangerous, prompting Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools to cancel bus service. Plainsview School and St. Nicholas School were closed due to impassable roads in the city’s northwest.
Meteorologists from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) explained that the storm was actually two separate systems, one hitting the province on Monday and the second moving in from the southeast on Tuesday. Shannon Moodie, an ECCC meteorologist, noted that while the strength of the storm system wasn’t unusual, it occurred later in the season than most years. ECCC reported that Melfort recorded the most snowfall on Tuesday with 30 centimetres, while Watrous received 29 centimetres and central Saskatchewan had up to 15 centimetres.
Looking ahead, Moodie stated that the current storm system will weaken throughout the day, but she is tracking another storm system that could hit the province over the weekend. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on road conditions as crews work to clear the highways and city streets. Stay safe and stay informed as winter weather continues to impact Saskatchewan.
