Saskatchewan sees second major snowfall of the season

A major snowstorm that hit Saskatchewan late Saturday was still causing disruptions on Sunday afternoon.

The storm brought heavy snow, strong winds and reduced visibility across much of the province, with numerous highways reporting a slew of winter driving conditions.

Environment and Climate Change Canada 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 3 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 southern parts of the province, however, were reported to be in better condition.

The Trans-Canada Highway 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 advisories where travel was not recommended for along the Trans-Canada Highway have since been lifted.

Eric Dykes, a senior meteorologist with Environment Canada, says that many parts of the province have been more significantly impacted by the snowfall. 

"There actually were a couple of measurements of snow including Cold Lake, Alberta, getting 19 [centimetres] and Lloydminster getting 11 [centimetres]," Dyck said.

He said the scope of this storm is different than the ones that hit the province this past week. 

"With this system, at least, we saw a fair sweep of snow that's say right across basically the southern half of the province even getting into central regions as well and it was a broad area." 

The forecast for the remainder of Sunday paints a picture of continued snowfall, especially from Saskatoon eastwards into Manitoba.

"Areas like Humboldt and Kamsack, Milford, Nipawin and certainly Hudson Bay, that's where the heaviest snow that we have currently forecast for the day," Dykes said. 

 "By Sunday night, most of the snow will have moved into Manitoba."  

Saskatoon sees 20 centimetres of snowfall

A reported 20 centimetres of snow had in Saskatoon as of 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

Environment Canada was forecasting up to 30 centimetres of total accumulation in the city by the end of Sunday, which is on top of the 17 centimetres it received this past week.

The city said crews have been busy clearing priority streets, finishing the cleanup 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 20 or more minutes on fixed-route services. 

Access Transit customers are encouraged to reschedule any non-urgent trips for Sunday and Monday.

School Closures Announced

The snowstorm has resulted in school closures across parts of Saskatchewan on Monday.

Prairie Spirit School Division has closed all schools due to hazardous weather and road conditions.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools has cancelled classes and bus services for Monday, affecting schools in Warman, Martensville, Humboldt, and Biggar. The division is advising students and parents to check Edsby and email for updates.

Saskatoon Public Schools has also closed all schools to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families. The closure is intended to reduce traffic, allowing city crews to clear roads more efficiently.

The latest updates on road conditions, travel advisories and weather forecasts, can be found on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline and Environment Canada.