SASKATOON — A Blowing Snow Advisory has been issued for Saskatoon as Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts up to 15 centimetres of snow over the next 36 hours. The snowfall is expected to begin this afternoon, potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions and reduced visibility on local roadways.
The city is gearing up to address the challenges brought about by this winter storm. Crews are standing by and will monitor the situation closely. If conditions warrant, Saskatoon may declare a snow event if more than five centimetres of snow accumulates. Such a declaration would trigger the activation of contractor graders, ensuring priority streets are cleared within 72 hours of the event.
City officials are particularly concerned about strong winds accompanying the snowfall, which are likely to blow sand and salt off treated road surfaces. This can result in icy spots as temperatures drop, creating additional hazards for motorists. Residents are urged to exercise caution when driving, especially near road maintenance equipment like graders and snowplows, which will be operating with blue and amber flashing lights. It's important to give these operators ample space to work safely.
For those needing real-time updates on the current road conditions and snow removal efforts, the city offers resources through the Snow & Ice Report available at saskatoon.ca/snowreport. Here, residents can find information about how crews are responding to the winter storm and which areas are prioritized for snow removal.
With the expected snowfall and challenging winter weather, the city encourages residents to prepare accordingly. This includes checking vehicles to make sure they are winter-ready, allowing for extra travel time, and staying informed through local news channels and city resources.
The safety of the community is the top priority for city officials and they aim to keep residents updated throughout the storm. By following the guidelines provided by the city and remaining vigilant about the conditions, Saskatonians can navigate the winter weather more effectively.
Residents are reminded to report any significant road issues or concerns to the city to aid crews as they work to keep the roads clear and maintain public safety during this winter storm.