Saskatchewan Roads Turn Treacherous: Dangerous Travel Conditions as Winter Storm Strikes

Travel in Saskatchewan has become increasingly hazardous due to icy conditions and vehicles ending up in ditches following an overnight winter storm. The Alberta Clipper weather system swept across the province on Sunday, bringing with it freezing rain that transitioned to snow in many regions.

Witnesses reported that numerous highways were extremely slippery as temperatures began to rise. A popular local radio host, Evan Bray, recounted his own struggles while traveling from Saskatoon to Regina on Highway 11, where he found himself stuck in a ditch. “A good Samaritan came to my rescue,” Bray said, highlighting how precarious driving conditions had become, particularly after Dundurn.

Bray described the roads as “quite bad,” with only one lane passable, laden with a mix of ice and slush. He noticed many drivers stuck in long lines, adhering to a cautious speed of 60 km/h, while others frustrated by the slow progression attempted risky maneuvers to pass, leading to potential dangers on both sides of the roadway.

Another traveler on the same route, Jamie, emphasized that strong winds exacerbated road conditions by blowing snow across already treacherous surfaces. He noted a significant number of vehicles, including a passenger bus, had slid off the road just south of Davidson.

Justin Blackwell, another driver in the area, observed that roads that typically allow for higher speeds had slowed down significantly, with many vehicles struggling in slushy conditions. He reported seeing around ten cars in the ditches, likely due to the slick surfaces pulling them off course.

Saskatchewan’s Highway Hotline issued travel advisories due to the poor conditions, particularly in the areas around Moose Jaw and Swift Current. Reports of a rolled-over semi on Highway 16 near North Battleford further complicated travel, leading to temporary lane closures but fortunately no injuries.

Current weather forecasts indicate that the disruptive winter system is continuing to deliver significant snowfall, with accumulations expected to reach 10 to 20 centimeters in certain areas. Visibility issues combined with wind gusts up to 60 km/h have resulted in multiple weather warnings across the region.

Brad Fauci, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, explained that while the snowfall is expected to taper off by nightfall, colder temperatures and a potent Arctic high are predicted to sweep through Saskatchewan later in the week, bringing further extreme weather and dangerous conditions with wind chill levels sinking to between -35°C and -40°C.

In Saskatoon, city maintenance crews have been proactively addressing slick roadways since early Sunday morning, applying salt and sand to major thoroughfares. Despite these efforts, city officials urged drivers to exercise caution, as conditions remain hazardous throughout the area.

As Saskatchewan braces for another round of challenging winter weather, drivers are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and heed travel advisories to ensure their safety on the slippery roads.