3rd Update: 6:45 PM CST December 22

Highway 7 has been cleared as of early this afternoon. Winter driving conditions still exist throughout the west central region. 

 

2nd Update: 9:40 AM CST December 22

Police are now on scene where a semi was first reported to be blocking Highway 7 between Flaxcombe and Alsask.

We will have more on this story as it develops.

 

Update: 7:30 AM CST December 22

There have multiple reports of semis blocking Highway 7 in multiple directions. Our first report came from a semi blocking Highway 7 between Flaxcombe and Alsask, and another one east of Kindersley blocking the road between Netherhill and Kindersley where a tow truck is on scene. Travel continues not to be recommended in the west central region as the wind and snow are expected throughout the day.

Original Article:

As promised, Mother Nature dropped a lot of snow over the region last night. This mixed with the wind, that continues to blow, has made road conditions not safe in many areas of west central. 

The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline is stating that travel is not recommended all around Kindersley, including Highway 7 and 21, along with the surrounding secondary highways. 

Conditions are reported to include blowing and drifting snow which can severely impact visibility, along with icy and slippery sections, with more snow on the way this morning. 

Click here for the most up to date travel conditions from the Highway Hotline.

This afternoon, we are supposed to see the winter weather let up, until then, please monitor the conditions in your area and only travel when safe to do so. 

Environment Canada has also issued Winter Storm Warning continued for the west central area.

Read the full warning below:

Winter storm to affect southern Saskatchewan today. Storm total snowfall will be between 10-25 cm.

Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

A strong low pressure system will track along the International border today bringing heavy snow to a portion of southern Saskatchewan. Snow began overnight in southwest and south central Saskatchewan and will spread eastward to the Manitoba border this morning. A swath of 15 to 25 cm is expected through this evening, generally centred between the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead Highways.

Along with the heavy snow, strong northerly winds gusting up to 60 km/h are expected to develop with this system, leading to a visibility reduction in blowing snow. The strong winds will first develop over western sections this morning and track eastward through the day.

There is also a risk of freezing rain over areas near the Trans-Canada Hwy and south toward the international border. Patchy freezing rain will begin over western sections early this morning and track eastward through the day.

Conditions will improve from west to east late this afternoon and tonight.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to SKstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #SKStorm.