“What I can tell you is that they’ve indicated that many of them involve semis or inclines. Right now, this is just unfolding, Broadview RCMP is responding to a serious collision. That’s on Highway 1, near Highway 201. I don’t have all the details, but please know that motorists can expect delays and possibly lane closures in that area. I also have heard that Swift Current, White Butte and Moose Jaw RCMP are also responding to multiple weather-related calls for service.”
An Alberta clipper is bringing blizzard-like conditions to southern and central Saskatchewan with gusty winds and visibility near zero in many places. Environment Canada expected portions of the Yellowhead and Trans-Canada highway corridor to see 10 to 20 centimeters of snow or more.
“A lot of precipitation so far has fallen as freezing rain. I actually heard from one of our police officers in Swift Current that the roads are so slippery that’s it’s hard to even stand on the roads, let alone drive,” said Grasser. “We’re anticipating that the freezing rain is going to switch to snow in the next few hours meaning poor driving conditions are likely to continue into the evening and overnight hours.”
She explained when officers are responding to calls, they’ll prioritize collisions and other urgent situations over a driver who is simply stuck.
“It may take us a while to get to you for that kind of help,” she said.
Grasser also emphasized that calling 911 is for emergencies – not to check road conditions or complain about a canceled flight, which is one of the calls the Operational Communications Centre received today.
Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways said snowplow operators have been dealing with a ‘buffet of weather conditions’ while doing their best to clear highways and treat ice.
“Keep in mind, Saskatchewan has the largest per capita highways in all of Canada and there’s a fleet of 300 snowplow operators, fleet of 300 pieces of equipment out there and the weather is so different across the province.”
Environment Canada’s radar shows the storm tracking from the south heading northeast with Saskatoon appearing to get the brunt of it. Drivers there reported zero visibility both within the city and outside on the highways where travel is not recommended.
As of 5 p.m., North Battleford had not yet felt the effects of the blizzard warning its under, however, forecasters said the storm was expected to continue into the evening and tomorrow morning.
Prince Albert did not receive snowfall throughout the day, but winds were strong.
The Humboldt area looked to be in the potential crosshairs of the Alberta Clipper. The nasty weather arrived in the region late Wednesday afternoon, with strong wind, blowing and drifting snow, icy conditions, and some reduced visibility. Earlier in the day, the Horizon School Division dismissed students at noon due to the anticipated effects of the storm system.
RCMP advise the public that if they do get stranded, staying with the vehicle is the best thing to do. Periodically checking that the tailpipe isn’t getting clogged with snow or briefly opening windows for fresh air is a good idea as well. While those in emergency situations can call 911, anyone facing a weather-related event in a non-emergency situation should call 310-RCMP.
—
panews@pattisonmedia.com