SASKATCHEWAN — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP are urging drivers to check highway conditions before travelling as a spring snowstorm moves through the province, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the day.
From 4 p.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday, the RCMP’s Division Operational Communications Centre received 12 reports of collisions across the province. There were no reports of weather-related stranded vehicles or traffic hazards.
Police say drivers should check weather and road conditions along their route before travelling and consider delaying trips if conditions are poor or forecast to deteriorate.
If travel is necessary, RCMP advise using roads that have recently received maintenance. Drivers can track which highways have been plowed, salted or sanded within the last two hours using the Highway Hotline map.
RCMP are also urging the public not to call 911 or local detachments for road condition updates.
Calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress, police said, noting non-emergency calls could delay help for someone facing a life-threatening situation.
Original report: The last day of winter might have been more than three weeks ago, but one more snowstorm is expected to blast the province.
A snowfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada for Regina, Moose Jaw and 129 RMs.
"A swath of heavy accumulating snow is expected for portions of southern Saskatchewan beginning overnight Wednesday [April 15], as a low-pressure system moves across the northern U.S. The precipitation will likely begin as rain Wednesday evening before transitioning to snow," the warning states.
Fifteen to 25 centimetres of snow is expected in the heaviest band, with 10-15 centimetres expected elsewhere, Environment Canada said.
"The snowfall accumulation may vary considerably across the warned area as there is still uncertainty on where the heaviest band of snow will occur," Environment Canada said.
Visibility will be reduced in heavy snow in combination with moderate northeasterly winds, the warning states. Travel may be challenging, particularly along Highway 1 from the Alberta border to Regina, and along Highway 11 from Regina to Saskatoon.
The snowfall will ease from west to east beginning in the evening of April 16.
A special weather statement that was in effect has been lifted. A freezing rain warning in the southeast has been lifted.
For updated highway conditions, check the Highway Hotline.
SaskToday will have updates as they become available.
