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Urgent: Saskatchewan Drivers Warned as Blizzard Conditions Hit

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UPDATE: Blizzard conditions are wreaking havoc across southern and central Saskatchewan, prompting officials to urgently warn drivers to stay off the roads. As of 5 p.m. today, all highways out of Saskatoon are marked in blue on the Highway Hotline map, indicating that travel is not recommended due to severe drifting snow, ice, and dangerously poor visibility.

RCMP spokesperson Keely Grasser stressed, “We’re asking everyone, if you don’t need to be on roads tonight, don’t be.” Between midnight and 2 p.m., authorities responded to 29 weather-related calls, including collisions and vehicles stranded in ditches, primarily in southern Saskatchewan.

Conditions are rapidly deteriorating with an Alberta clipper storm bringing blizzard-like weather, gusty winds, and visibility dropping to near zero. Grasser noted that many incidents involve semis and inclines. Currently, Broadview RCMP is responding to a serious collision on Highway 1, near Highway 201, leading to expected delays and possible lane closures.

Environment Canada forecasts that areas along the Yellowhead and Trans-Canada highway corridor could receive 10 to 20 centimeters of snow or more. “A lot of precipitation so far has fallen as freezing rain,” Grasser explained, adding that conditions are so slippery in Swift Current that it’s difficult to maintain footing, let alone drive. She warned that freezing rain is likely to switch to snow soon, prolonging poor driving conditions into the evening and overnight hours.

Grasser emphasized the importance of prioritizing emergencies, stating that officers will address collisions over other situations like stranded vehicles. “It may take us a while to get to you for that kind of help,” she said. She also reminded the public that calling 911 is reserved for emergencies—not for checking road conditions or reporting flight cancellations.

Dan Palmer from the Ministry of Highways reported that snowplow operators are combating a “buffet of weather conditions” while trying to clear and treat highways. With a fleet of 300 snowplow operators working across Saskatchewan, the challenge is immense given the province’s vast highway network.

As of 5 p.m., North Battleford had yet to face the full impact of the blizzard, but forecasters warn that conditions will worsen through the evening. Meanwhile, Prince Albert reported no snowfall but experienced strong winds, while the Humboldt area is bracing for the storm’s worst.

Earlier today, the Horizon School Division dismissed students early in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Officials advise that anyone stranded should remain with their vehicle and check that exhaust pipes are clear of snow while occasionally allowing fresh air in by opening windows.

If you encounter a weather-related emergency, you should call 911. For non-emergency weather-related incidents, contact 310-RCMP. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel as this significant storm continues to unfold.

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