SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN — A powerful winter storm hammering southern Saskatchewan on Dec. 9 is hindering highway travel.
According to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s Highway Hotline, all highways in the Estevan area were shut down as of 7:30 a.m., due to ice caused by freezing rain.
Meanwhile, travel is not recommended on some highways in south Saskatchewan, including some segments of Highway 1. Other routes are listed as covered.
Highway 13 is closed two kilometres east of Trossachs due to a collision. Also, emergency crews were at the scene of a collision on Highway 39 approximately 18 kilometres northwest of North Portal – a stretch that was already closed due to the storm.
A portion of Highway 1’s eastbound lanes were closed east of Morse, near the Calderbank Road, but the section is now open.
For updates, check the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s Highway Hotline.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is advising the public that winter weather is impacting road conditions in southern Saskatchewan. Officers report multiple collisions in the Estevan and Weyburn area.
Ice, snow-covered lanes, drifting and blowing snow, and strong winds are affecting highway conditions.
Throughout the day, Saskatchewan will continue to experience winter-weather conditions.
“Before travelling, check the weather and road conditions along your route. If poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecasted, consider delaying travel if possible,” the RCMP said. “If travel is necessary, stay on roads that have recently received road maintenance.”
The Saskatchewan RCMP reminds the public to avoid calling 911 or local RCMP detachments for updates on road conditions.Calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress, and using it in non-emergent situations could prevent someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help.
For more information on how to prepare for winter driving, visit here.
SaskToday will have updates as they become available.
