Heavy snow and 70 km/h winds blanket Saskatchewan, with wind chills near -40 °C and travel warnings across major highways.
Blizzard Strikes Saskatchewan with Fierce Snow and Winds
Saskatchewan woke up to a winter storm like no other. Snow is piling up fast, gusty winds are making it feel bitterly cold, and travel has become risky across much of the province.
The storm, which started in Alberta, is proving to be a slow-moving powerhouse. Some areas are already seeing more than 40 centimetres of snow, while gusts between 70 and 80 km/h are making temperatures feel like a bone-chilling -40 °C along the central Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
Snowfall Totals Climb as Storm Progresses
Meteorologist Chris Stammers from Environment and Climate Change Canada explains that this storm isn’t your typical Alberta clipper. Instead, it’s what experts call a Montana low—infamous for heavy, long-lasting snowfalls.
“These systems linger and drop snow over extended periods,” Stammers said. “Much of today will see continuous snow, and the effects will stretch into Manitoba through Thursday.”
By early Wednesday morning, regions such as Meadow Lake and the Battlefords had already recorded roughly 20 cm of snow, with another 20 cm expected to accumulate.
Airports Face Delays as Cities Dig Out
The storm has disrupted air travel significantly. Both Regina (YQR) and Saskatoon (YXE) airports reported delays and cancellations starting Tuesday night. In Regina, over half of outgoing flights were delayed, while Saskatoon saw multiple cancellations and afternoon delays.
Meanwhile, snow crews in Regina and Saskatoon have been working tirelessly to clear streets. Major roads, including Albert Street and Broad Street, are seeing all-hands-on-deck efforts to keep traffic moving, though conditions remain treacherous.
Travel Warnings Issued Across Highways
The storm’s reach extends beyond the cities. Areas southeast of Regina experienced freezing rain before heavy snow began, reducing visibility on key highways to near zero. As a result, roughly half of Saskatchewan’s highways carry “travel not recommended” warnings.
Stammers offered a practical tip for residents: “The wind will ease this morning, but poor travel conditions persist. If you can stay home, it’s a good day to avoid driving.”
Cold Snap Expected to Ease Soon
The silver lining? The extreme cold won’t last forever. Stammers predicts that regular February temperatures will return in the coming days, with no thaw in sight for at least the next ten days. Residents are advised to keep monitoring highway updates as conditions evolve.
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