Severe winter weather significantly impacted Saskatchewan on Thursday night, leading to dangerous travel conditions. Blowing snow and reduced visibility resulted in multiple collisions and the closure of several highways.
Travel Disruptions Due to Blizzards
Motorist Nwamaka Onyejekwe faced a harrowing experience while traveling from Regina to Moose Jaw. She encountered treacherous weather just three kilometers outside Regina and had to wait two hours for assistance. Leaving at 9:45 p.m. CST, she didn’t arrive home until after midnight.
Onyejekwe expressed her concerns about being stranded and the safety of anyone trying to help her. After this incident, she intends to carry emergency supplies, such as blankets, food, and water, in her vehicle.
Highway Closures and Accidents Reported
By Friday morning, Saskatchewan RCMP had responded to over 40 accidents, primarily in areas near Regina, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Prince Albert. Key highways affected include:
- Highway 46, closed indefinitely due to a pileup southwest of Balgonie.
- Highway 1, deemed unsafe for travel.
- Highway 10, south of the 364 junction, with ongoing investigations into collisions.
Authorities emphasized that the poor visibility and hazardous conditions stem from blowing snow and icy roads. RCMP spokesperson Mandy Maier advised travelers to exercise caution and stay updated on road conditions prior to their trips.
Weather Conditions and Precautions
Dan Palmer, a spokesman for the highways ministry, noted the rapidly changing weather posed serious challenges. High winds were exacerbating snow and ice formation, complicating highway conditions. He urged drivers to give maintenance crews ample space to operate safely.
Travelers are encouraged to check real-time road conditions at [hotline.gov.sk.ca/map](http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map), while ensuring they start journeys with a full tank of gas and necessary safety supplies. Maier reminded everyone to adapt their speeds to road conditions rather than sticking rigidly to speed limits.
Future Weather Forecasts
According to Environment Canada, peak wind speeds reached 104 km/h in southern Saskatchewan during the storm. Meteorologist Christy Climenhaga indicated that while some relief is anticipated on Friday afternoon, further disturbances are expected over the weekend, potentially bringing additional winds of up to 80 km/h.
Temperatures in the Regina area are forecasted to dip into single digits by Saturday, dropping further into colder ranges by Sunday and Monday. Residents should prepare for continued winter conditions over the coming days.
Conclusion
This winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness during hazardous weather conditions. Staying informed and cautious can significantly enhance safety for all motorists during unpredictable winter storms in Saskatchewan.
