Ice, snow affecting driving conditions

September 30, 2019, 12:19 pm

A late September snowfall is making driving conditions dangerous in parts of the province..

Environment Canada says there have been snow and strong northeast winds since Saturday afternoon in Southwestern Saskatchewan, especially areas west of Assiniboia and south of Swift Current.

Snow and blowing snow are expected to continue in these regions this evening, with conditions gradually improving from south to north overnight and Monday morning.

Environment Canada says to expect very poor travel conditions in these areas with the possibility of localized whiteouts, thanks to total accumulations in the hardest-hit regions possibly ending up in the 20 to 40 cm range.

In addition to snow, a band of freezing rain is possible Sunday night in the area from Assiniboia to Yorkton.

According to Saskatchewan Highways Hotline, there are a number of areas where highway travel is not recommended, including near Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Shaunavon, Consul, and Maple Creek.

Because the situation continues to change, the Highways Hotline encourages motorists to keep checking for updates and drive with caution.

By Monday night, Environment Canada expects the system will start to weaken and pull out of Saskatchewan as it moves east.

As of 5 pm Sunday, the forecast for Moosomin for the next 24 hours was for rain each hour, switching to a mix of snow and rain Monday evening.