An intense low pressure system north of Prince Albert continues to bring a variety of high impact weather across southern Saskatchewan. Damaging winds of over 100 kilometres an hour have been reported and this powerful storm is produced snow and blizzard conditions in some regions.
Saskatoon was under a winter storm warning for most of the day with up to 5 centimetres expected by the time the system weakens. The snow, along with 70 kilometres-an-hour winds gusting up to 90, created poor visibility for drivers. Highway 11 between Dundurn and Davidson, the main highway between Saskatoon and Regina, was closed for most of the day and Highway 7 between Delisle and Rosetown, the main highway to Calgary, and Highway 14 between Asquith and Wilkie remain closed at this time.
The system also created poor driving conditions on city roads. Saskatoon police responded to numerous accidents but none of a serious nature. No injuries have been reported and police are reminding motorists to pay attention to the changing conditions and exercise caution on the streets. Snow build up on traffic lights was also a factor in the number of collisions as the lights were not melting the snow which created a major safety risk.
RCMP reported at least five semi-trailer units were across both lanes of Highway 11 from Kenaston to Bladworth, with numerous vehicles in the ditch. There was also a four vehicle crash near Rosetown, however only minor injuries were reported.
The weather also created delays and cancellations at both John G. Diefenbaker airport and for inter-city buses at the STC terminal.
Sask Power reported numerous power outages throughout areas affected by the storm. Thousands in over a dozen communities were without power and conditions made it tough for crews to get to the affected areas to restore power. Crews continue to work on the outages, but are asking for patience as they deal with the extreme conditions that are making their work difficult.
Damage and downed power lines were also reported across much of Saskatoon today. City crews were busy removing debris and taking down branches that posed a danger.
Heavy snow and strong winds produced blizzard conditions from Lloydminster to Rosetown with the worst conditions being felt in the Battleford and Kindersley regions. Residents of Kindersley, 200 kilometres west of Saskatoon, awoke this morning to blizzard conditions and knee high drifts, one day after hitting 19C. According to the Highway Hotline, travel is still not recommended on most highways and roads west of Saskatoon to the Alberta border.
Powerful winds and gusts over 100 kilometres-an-hour were report across the southern portion of the province. Gusts at Lucky Lake were recorded at 117 kilometres-an-hour and in Swift Current, gusts topped out at 115 kilometres-an-hour. Areas east and south of Saskatoon to the Manitoba border are still under a wind warning, with westerly winds of 60 gusting to 100 kilometres-an-hour expected throught this evening. In Regina, winds gusted to 104 kilometres an hour this morning, blowing out some windows and leading to the evacuation of the SGI building due to a loose panel.
To the north, a snowfall warning remains in place for the Meadow Lake area, with 10 to 15 centimetres of snow expected to fall by tonight.
Conditions are expected to improve throughout the province this evening as the system weakens and winds will subside Saturday afternoon.
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