Regina and most of southern Saskatchewan has been hit with a blast of winter in early October.
According to Environment Canada Regina and area has received around two centimeters of snow throughout the morning and the snow should end around the lunch hour.
Tonight the temperature will drop to minus nine, and with the windchill it will feel more like minus 14.
The Highway Hotline is reporting that winter driving conditions exists on all roads throughout southern Saskatchewan.
“When you do start to rush, and we do have adverse weather conditions, that’s when bad things start to happen even if you’re travelling at a posted speed limit,” Cst. Curtis Warnar of the Regina Police Service said. “When we have a blizzard, following the posted speed limit is not advisable. Speed limits are posted for optimal driving conditions- which snow, sleet, and ice are not.”
One person posted on Social Media that an ambulance flipped over on Highway 2 between Assininboia and Moose Jaw.
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In Alberta conditions are much worse with the Calgary area being slammed with nearly 40 centimeters of snow and stranding travelers on the Trans-Canada highway for hours.
SGI sent out some tip on what to do when winter driving conditions:
- Clear snow from your vehicle and be sure your windows are completely defrosted before you drive.
- Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. Adjust your speed accordingly when conditions are less than favourable, like when roads are icy or there is low visibility.
- Invest in a set of winter tires, which provide improved traction on winter road surfaces.
- Leave more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you have more time to stop. SGI recommends at least a four-second following distance.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you’re not tempted to drive too fast for road conditions.
- Turn on your headlights at night and any time visibility is poor, since some vehicles do not have taillights on when daytime running lights are being used.
- Don’t use cruise control in slippery conditions.
Before travelling today check the highway hotline before heading out on the roads in your area.
While far off of the 1996 record of seven centimetres of snow accumulation on October third, the downfall has spurred many to start their winter preparations.
“For us, it’s like our harvest,” Kal Tire sales manager Geoff Wiebe said.
Wiebe says the rule of thumb is to put on winter tires when the average temperature is below seven degrees. Even if the snow melts, it’s best to be prepared.
“Wet conditions aren’t nearly as dangerous as slushy and icy, but with the temperature hovering around zero, from one hour to the next that can turn to ice- especially if people have to drive early in the morning or late in the evening,” He added.
Across the city, the Kitchener Community School has put out a call for donations of socks, underwear and other essentials.
“We have a hard time expecting kids to come and do the learning we want them to do, their parents want them to do, and they want to do if their basic needs aren’t being met,” Principal Mick Panko said. “There’s a need this time of year for winter wear with the snowfall and all the rest.”
The school is in need of items for children from pre-kindergarten to grade 8. People can call 306-791-8516 for more information or to drop off.
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