Update:
SASKATCHEWAN — The winter storm tracking across Saskatchewan on Feb. 17 is causing problems on many highways in the province.
According to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure's Highway Hotline, travel is not recommended on a number of highways in the Regina area, including much of the Regina bypass, Highway 11 from Regina to Lumsden and Highway 1 to the east Wolseley bypass.
Motorists are also asked to avoid highways in much of central and north-central Saskatchewan, including the Prince Albert area and Highway 11 from Prince Albert to Osler; highways in the northeast, including those around Melfort and Nipawin, highways in the Estevan and Weyburn areas and routes in other parts of the province.
Highways in the Saskatoon area are classified as covered or partially covered.
Snowfall and blowing snow advisories have been issued for different parts of the province.
For updates, check the Highway Hotline.
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan RCMP is advising the public about risky travel conditions.
"After several weeks of mild weather, it’s been easy to feel like spring has already arrived on the Prairies," the RCMP said in a news release. "But as every Saskatchewan resident knows, this warm spell was only our annual bout of ‘fake spring’. Winter is far from finished, and colder weather is set to return, and soon."
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecasted in many parts of the province, particularly the central and southern areas. White-out and blizzard-like conditions have been projected, the RCMP said.
"These blustery conditions are anticipated to continue overnight and into Wednesday [Feb. 18]. Saskatchewan, its time to grab your mitts and toques, and refresh yourself on winter driving safety," the RCMP said.
Saskatchewan RCMP remind drivers to:
- Scrape your windshield and brush all the snow off your vehicle before driving;
- Keep your gas tank more than half full;
- Tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected to arrive at your location;
- Turn on your headlights and taillights, and ensure that they are cleaned off;
- Travel at a speed that allows you to keep control of your vehicle, even if that’s below the speed limit;
- Slow down to 60 kilometres per hour when passing emergency vehicles, such as tow trucks, emergency medical services, fire and police, giving them room to do their work safely;
- Stay on main roads; and
- Have an emergency kit inside your vehicle that contains warm clothes and water in the event you become stranded during your travels.
"Remember, only travel when its safe. If you can’t see, you can’t safely drive," the RCMP said. "If poor road conditions exist or are forecasted, please delay travel if possible."
Saskatchewan RCMP also wants to remind the public that if you get stranded, always stay with your vehicle. This is your best chance for survival and helps officers locate you.
“Following a stretch of warm temperatures, it’s easy to forget how quickly weather and road conditions can change,” says Insp. Lee Knelsen, operations officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “After taking a look at the weather forecast, it’s clear that winter isn’t finished with us yet. As this storm moves in, we’re asking everyone to take a moment to prepare and make safe choices before heading out. If visibility is poor or conditions are deteriorating, the safest decision you can make is delaying travel and staying home.”
For more winter driving safety tips, such as how to properly stock your vehicle, what to do before you hit the road, how to drive on icy and snowy conditions, and what to do if you get stranded, visit the Saskatchewan RCMP website.
SaskToday will have updates as they become available.
