SASKATCHEWAN — Update: Additional weather warnings have been issued by Environment Canada in Saskatchewan on April 22, thanks to a spring storm expected to blast the province.
A special weather statement has been issued for the cities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw, as well as the Battlefords, the district of Lakeland and communities in dozens of RMs.
Precipitation will initially start as rain April 22 for portions of western and southern Saskatchewan before transitioning to snow overnight into April 23, the advisory states. There will be a risk of thunderstorms, especially over southern regions on April 22.
"This will be a prolonged snowfall event, with snow lasting into Saturday [April 25]. Total snowfall accumulations of 10-15 centimetres are possible. Snowfall warnings may be required as confidence increases closer to the event," the advisory says.
Freezing rain could develop April 22 into the following day, particularly over east-central regions, Environment Canada said. Strong northerly winds will give reduced visibilities in falling snow.
Environment Canada added cooler, below-seasonal weather is forecast in the wake of this system into next week.
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A wind warning has been issued in southwest Saskatchewan, as wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour are expected to develop later on April 22 and continue into April 23.
Communities in approximately 15 RMs are affected.
"Local utility outages are possible. Some property damage is possible," Environment Canada said.
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A couple of snowfall warnings have been issued by Environment Canada in northern Saskatchewan.
A more severe, orange-level snowfall warning states a long period of heavy snow is expected April 22-24. Total amounts of 30-50 centimetres are expected by the weekend.
The heaviest snow is for the evening of April 22 and into the following day.
"Locally poor visibility due to blowing snow is also possible Thursday [April 23] in open areas, such as along the shore of large lakes," Environment Canada said.
The agency says travel will likely be hazardous. Allow extra time for travel. Keep roofs clear to avoid the danger of heavy snow loads. Prepare for some disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities.
A yellow-level snowfall warning for other areas states that heavy snow is expected tonight through Friday, with total amounts of 20-40 centimetres.
"Snow will begin this evening," the warning states. "The heaviest snow is expected tonight [April 22] and Thursday. Light snow will continue into the weekend."
Travel will likely be challenging. Allow extra time for travel. Keep roofs clear to avoid the danger of heavy snow loads.
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Environment Canada previously issued other advisories on April 21, including a yellow-level rainfall warning for a number of RMs. Heavy rainfall with total amounts of 15-25 millimetres is expected.
"Rain will begin overnight on Tuesday [April 21] and change over to snow Wednesday evening. With the ground still frozen over most of the area, localized flooding is more likely to occur as the ground has a reduced ability to absorb falling rain," Environment Canada said.
Snow is then expected to persist over this area until the afternoon of April 25, with total snowfall accumulations of 10-20 centimetres expected. Additional snowfall warnings may be issued at a later date.
"Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Avoid low-lying areas. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts," Environment Canada said.
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An orange-level winter storm warning was issued for some areas in northern Saskatchewan, thanks to rain and heavy snow that is anticipated.
"Rain is expected to begin on Wednesday morning [April 22] with five to 10 millimetres of rain expected before changing over to heavy snow by Wednesday evening," the warning states.
Heavy snow with amounts of 40-50 centimetres is anticipated to fall by the afternoon of April 24 before the snow slowly begins to ease.
"Travel will likely be hazardous. Allow extra time for travel. Prepare for disruptions to transportation, services and utilities. Keep roofs clear to avoid the danger of heavy snow loads."
A separate yellow-level winter storm warning has been issued for other areas in northern Saskatchewan. Environment Canada says heavy rain will begin in the La Ronge region beginning in the morning of April 22, with 20-30 millimetres of rain expected to fall before changing over to snow that night. Environment Canada said Waskesiu will see the highest rainfall amounts. In La Ronge, the rain will change over to snow by late afternoon.
"After the rain changes over to snow, snowfall amounts of 20-40 centimetres are expected by Friday [April 24] before the snow begins to taper off. Highest snowfall amounts are expected near La Ronge," Environment Canada said.
'Travel will likely be challenging," Environment Canada said. "Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions."
SaskToday will have updates, including additional warnings and advisories, as they become available.
