Severe storms impacted Saskatchewan over the Thanksgiving weekend, resulting in extensive power outages across the region. Rain and snow blanketed most of southern and central Saskatchewan, particularly affecting the east-central communities.
Storm System Details
The adverse weather was triggered by the collision of two storm fronts. A powerful low-pressure system moved northward from Montana, following the border between Saskatchewan and Manitoba. According to Dan Fulton, a meteorologist from Environment Canada, this system initially brought substantial rainfall.
As the storm interacted with a cold front moving in from Alberta, temperatures dropped, leading to a shift from rain to snow.
Precipitation Reports
- Hudson Bay and Wynyard received approximately 45 millimeters of rain.
- Saskatoon and Regina recorded less than 20 millimeters of rain.
- Nipawin and Kamsack saw between 10 and 15 centimeters of snow.
- Heavy snowfall was also reported in Sandy Bay, located 440 kilometers northeast of Prince Albert.
Power Outages and Impact
By Monday morning, SaskPower reported significant outages in an area just east of Melfort extending to the Manitoba border. Approximately 8,500 customers lost power after the storm hit on Sunday. As of Monday, about 500 customers remained without electricity.
Scott McGregor, a spokesperson for SaskPower, noted that the heavy, wet snow was responsible for many of the outages. The added weight on power lines led to breakage, which is a risk during storms around freezing temperatures.
Safety Precautions
Residents are advised to stay clear of downed power lines. McGregor emphasized the unpredictability of live wires and recommended keeping a distance of at least 10 meters. If anyone encounters a downed line, they should contact the outage center immediately.
The majority of power restoration is expected to be completed by the end of the day, as recovery efforts progress across the affected areas.
