Highways closed as freezing rain, high winds and snow hammer parts of Saskatchewan

The meteorologist said his main concern is the highway conditions.

Large areas of Saskatchewan were covered by winter weather warnings from Environment Canada on Tuesday morning. (Environment Canada)

“I think the highways could become fairly slick this afternoon,” he said.

“I just advise people to be careful with traveling, slow down if you need to, or just avoid travel to that area until the system passes.”

A flash freezing warning, meanwhile, has been issued in the southwest corner of the province, including areas around Swift Current, Maple Creek, Climax and Lake Diefenbaker.

Kokolsky said temperatures are set to fall from above freezing early on Tuesday morning to below freezing by the afternoon, creating icy conditions.

A wind warning is also in effect in the southwest corner of the province, covering areas around Eastend, Climax and Maple Creek. Wind gusts are set to reach 90 km/h on Tuesday morning.

A wind warning was also issued by Environment Canada in the far southeast corner of the province, covering areas around Estevan, Weyburn and Carnduff, with wind gusts up to 90 km/h expected on Tuesday afternoon.

“I don’t suspect there will be really any damage with 90 km/h winds,” Kokolsky said.

“I think you see more damage with some stronger wind events, like 110 km/h plus, but it depends on the structure and how secure some of these loose objects are, like shingles on roofs.”

Meanwhile, a snowfall warning is in effect for south-central Saskatchewan, including areas around Hudson Bay, Yorkton, Kamsack, Melville, Esterhazy and Moosomin.

Kokolsky said 10 to 20 centimetres could fall by Wednesday morning.

The latest updates on the weather alerts can be found on Environment Canada’s website.

Highways closed around Estevan due to icy conditions

Highways surrounding Estevan were closed on Tuesday morning due to icy conditions, while travel was not recommended on a number of other routes. (Saskatchewan Highway Hotline)

According to the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline, highways in the Estevan area are closed due to icy conditions. The closures stretch north to Handsworth, west to Torquay, east to Frobisher and south to the U.S. border. Travel was not recommended on highways in the Moose Jaw, Arcola and Weyburn areas.

Travel was also not recommended on a stretch of Highway 11 south of Davidson due to ice on the road.

Highway 1 eastbound near Highway 627 has all lanes closed as of 9:20 a.m. the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline reported a motor vehicle collision and are asking motorists to slow down and use caution in the area.

The Saskatchewan RCMP said officers have responded to “multiple collisions in the Estevan and Weyburn area” on Tuesday, and asked drivers to use extra caution and consider postponing travel plans.

“Before travelling, check the weather and road conditions along your route,” the RCMP said in a statement.

“If poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecasted, consider delaying travel if possible. If travel is necessary, stay on roads that have recently received road maintenance.”

The RCMP also asked the public to refrain from calling 9-1-1 for road condition updates.

“Calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress, and using it in non-emergent situations could prevent someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help,” the Mounties said.

The latest updates on highway closures and conditions can be found on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.

by Abby Zieverink - CKOM News

Highways closed as freezing rain, high winds and snow hammer parts of Saskatchewan

Highways closed around Estevan due to icy conditions

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