A major snowstorm that hit Saskatchewan Saturday night was still causing disruptions as of noon Sunday.
The storm brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility across much of the province, with highways reporting a variety of winter driving conditions.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a snowfall warning for Regina, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, the Battlefords and several other communities in the province — warnings that were still in place as of 12 p.m. CST.
The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline issued travel advisories, cautioning drivers about snow-covered roads and low-visibility.
Several highways, particularly in central and southern Saskatchewan, were not recommended for travel due to hazardous conditions. Highways in the far southern regions of the province, however, were reported to be in better condition.
Highway 1, in particular, was not recommended for travel earlier in the day on Sunday due to snow drifts and packed snow, while Highway 11 from Saskatoon south to Davidson was facing similar conditions with reports of heavy snow accumulation. All the travel-not-recommended advisories for Highway 1 were lifted before noon.
Saskatoon sees 20 centimetres of snowfall overnight
In Saskatoon, shortly before 7:30 a.m. CST Sunday, the city reported 20 centimetres of snow had already fallen since Saturday.
Environment Canada was forecasting up to 30 centimetres of total accumulation in the city by the end of this weekend, it said. That is on top of the 17 centimetres it received this past week.
The city said crews have been busy clearing priority streets, finishing the work from the first snowstorm of the season just in time to tackle this weekend’s heavy snowfall.
Snowplows, salt trucks, and sanders are actively clearing the busiest roads in the city.
The city said transit will operate on Sunday, but passengers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes or more on fixed-route services.
Access Transit customers are encouraged to reschedule any non-urgent trips for today and Monday.
For the latest updates on road conditions, travel advisories, and weather forecasts, residents are urged to check the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline and Environment Canada’s website.