Southern Saskatchewan has been buried under heavy snow for the second time within just days, as intense snowstorms have swept through the region, causing chaos and disruption for residents and authorities alike. Over the past weekend, towns and cities grappled with nearly 20 centimeters of snowfall, prompting numerous travel warnings and school closures across the area.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Regina alone recorded about 17 centimeters of fresh snow between Saturday night and Sunday morning. It marked just the latest weather-related hurdle for the city, which had already endured significant snowfall earlier this month. The Sintaluta area was hard hit, with snowfall totals reaching up to 24 centimeters, followed closely by Beechy, where 21 centimeters accumulated. Notably, smaller amounts were reported near Shaunavon with 12 centimeters and even less around Vibank with 14 centimeters. Canora, which lies within the parkland region, saw about 16 centimeters of the white stuff.
Local officials wasted no time responding. The City of Regina announced via social media platforms on Sunday morning their road crews had been working through the night to clear high-priority roads and sidewalks. "Crews will continue to work to make sure roads throughout the city are safe," the social media message stated. Despite the hard work, many smaller side roads still remained unplowed, leaving those living on lesser-traveled paths stranded as they waited for assistance.
Compounding the challenges posed by winter weather, students across Saskatchewan are facing unexpected snow days this week. Regina's public and Catholic school districts announced closures, as did Prairie Spirit School Division. It was all part of efforts to prioritize the safety of students and staff, as officials took the cautionary step to reduce traffic on the roads, allowing city crews to focus on snow removal.
While the snow brought joy to some—like Lionel Neveu, who expressed appreciation for the winter wonderland—many others faced real difficulties. Eric Dykes, a senior meteorologist with ECCC, explained to the public how the latest storm was broader and more intense than others earlier this month, affecting not just southern areas but creeping northward, with snowfall extending as far as central Saskatchewan.
The snowstorm caused significant disruptions, especially to travel. The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline issued multiple advisories, warning drivers about dangerous conditions characterized by poor visibility and snow-covered roads. Numerous highways, particularly those running through central and southern parts, were labeled as hazardous. Some routes, including sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, had travel bans imposed, warning motorists to avoid traveling altogether due to blowing snow and drifts.
By early afternoon Sunday, the advisory status for travel on the Trans-Canada Highway had changed, with some restrictions lifted. The highway connects key cities across the province, and its closure presented major inconveniences for residents, particularly travelers attempting to navigate the buildup of snow.
Further complicity arose from the plummeting temperatures across the province. Weather forecasts suggested Regina could see daytime highs plunging to -26 degrees Celsius, significantly below the usual seasonal normals where daily highs typically hover around -5 degrees. The drastic drop raised concerns among residents about their readiness for winter, especially following the recent blast of snow.
Schools were not the only institutions affected; local governments declared snow routes, spotlighting areas where snow removal would take priority. The public transit system operated but urged riders to prepare for considerable delays, possibly extending their wait times by 20 minutes or more. Those relying on access transit were encouraged to postpone any non-essential trips until the weather improved.
Outside of Regina, Saskatoon also felt the storm's impact heavily, recording approximately 20 centimeters of snow as of the early hours of Sunday morning. Environment Canada was warning residents of potential accumulations of up to 30 centimeters by the end of the day, raising similar concerns about road conditions and accessibility for families and commuters alike.
With forecasts indicating the snow would persist throughout the day, areas such as Humboldt and Kamsack braced for potentially heavier hits from the continual snowfall. Conditions were expected to gradually improve by Sunday night, as the storm moved eastward and out of the province during the nighttime hours. But until then, residents remained on alert, working to clear driveways and navigate the snowy landscapes.
Despite the challenges posed by winter weather, local residents have shown resilience and adaptability, making arrangements for snow removal and supporting each other during these trying times. Communities across Saskatchewan have united, displaying the strength and cooperation necessary to tackle the unpredictable conditions characteristic of the Canadian winters.
These snowstorms remind once again of the potency of winter weather and the careful planning required to maintain safety and accessibility across the region. For residents accustomed to the hardships of the season, there is solace taken from the unity and assistance from neighbors and local authorities.
