Local News

UPDATED 10 pm

Travel conditions are rapidly deteriorating across west central Saskatchewan as heavy snowfall and drifting snow continue to impact the region. Authorities are advising against travel in many areas, including Rosetown, Macklin, Unity, and Wilkie, where road conditions have become increasingly treacherous.

While a previous snowfall warning ended Saturday evening, Airdrie drivers are still advised to be cautious on the roads.

As the snow continues to fall in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline shows just after 7 p.m. on Saturday that travel is not recommended on Highway 1 between Mortlach and Regina.

Travel is also not recommended on Highway 2 between Moose Jaw and Tuxford to the north, and Moose Jaw and Bushell Park to the south.

Travel is not recommended on Highway 363 between Moose Jaw and Old Shamrock, and travel is not recommended on Highway 301, or Highways 39 and 339.

West central Saskatchewan remains under a snowfall warning as heavy snow persists into the night. Kindersley has already seen 10 to 15 centimetres of accumulation, with pockets of heavier snowfall expected to continue reducing visibility further as darkness falls.

Highway Hotline reports that road conditions range from partially to fully covered with snow, compounded by drifting and reduced visibility. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and only travel if necessary.

With snow blanketing Airdrie, residents must keep up with snow removal to ensure community safety. According to the Community Standards Bylaw, property owners are responsible for maintaining safe sidewalks.

A snowfall warning for Airdrie ended on Saturday evening.

Earlier today, there were reports of several spun-out vehicles in ditches as roads were treacherous in and around Airdrie.

There were reports of one vehicle spun out in a ditch along Yankee Valley Boulevard, heading southbound on the QEII and slightly in the right lane. A truck is also reportedly in the ditch on the left-hand side. 

Conditions on numerous highways in the southwest are diminishing thanks to Saturday's ongoing snowstorm.

According to the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline at 2:30 p.m., portions of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 4, Highway 32, Highway 21, Highway 13, Highway 18, Highway 271, and Highway 342 are all snow-covered.

The Trans-Canada Highway from Rush Lake to Mortlach and Highway 4 from the U.S. border (Monchy) to Cadilac and from Sask Landing to Elrose is snow-covered and reduced visibility.

From the Alberta border to Carmichael, the Trans-Canada Highway is covered.

Yet another winter storm is headed for Manitoba over the weekend, prompting Environment Canada to issue snowfall warnings for parts of southern Manitoba as up to 15 to 25 cm of snow is expected.

Snow will begin overnight Saturday in western Manitoba and move into eastern sections of the province by Sunday.

For most regions, snow accumulation will taper off Sunday night, but light snow may persist in eastern areas through Monday.

As of 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, regions under the warning include:

Winter storm to blanket west central Saskatchewan with heavy snow.

West central Saskatchewan is bracing for significant snowfall as a winter storm moves into the region. Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings, with heavy snow expected to continue through Saturday into Sunday.

A large swath could see 20 to 30 centimetres of snow, making travel hazardous. As the storm intensifies, reduced visibility and slippery road conditions are likely. Drivers are urged to adjust travel plans and stay updated on road conditions through the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.

With winter seemingly dropped on our doorstep this past week, Service for Seniors is hoping to keep the elderly in Portage la Prairie warm through the colder months.

Joyce Dalmyn, Chairperson of Portage Service for Seniors, says they pack between 150 to 200 stockings each year. She stresses that stockings are available for any senior in the community who might need one.

"There are no financial barriers or boundaries on this whatsoever," notes Dalmyn. "We want to make sure that every senior has a good Christmas in this community."