City preparing for ‘record breaking snowfall’ this weekend

The City of Saskatoon is planning for the possibility of a severe winter storm this weekend.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Environment Canada is warning for a severe storm that could produce up to 30 cm of snow, with up to five to 10 cm falling on Saturday as well.

“The line between very heavy snow and not as much snow is going to be sitting sort of close to Saskatoon,” Environment Canada Meteorologist Terri Lang said of the yet to be determined weather forecast.

While southern Saskatchewan is expected to experience the brunt of the storm, the weather system could move further north to include Saskatoon.

Goran Saric, the city’s director of roadways, has more than 200 people ready to respond to whatever the conditions are.

“That could mean record-breaking snowfall for our city and winds gusting up to 80 km/h resulting in a dangerous blizzard,” he said, adding that contractors are also on standby.

Fifteen graders, 10 plows with sanders, four underbelly plows, 20 sanders, 11 sidewalk plows and extra loaders, dozers and snow blowers are all expected to operate this weekend.

Priority streets like Circle Drive and Idylwyld Drive are first priority, in addition to access to emergency services.

The city is asking people to stay home as much as possible, but if drivers are out on the road, be aware of flashing blue and amber lights as crews clear snow.

Snowdrifts and icy conditions are expected, and sand and salt will be used at the operator’s discretion.

Saskatoon Transit will continue its usual routes, but delays are also expected.

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, the city’s director of Emergency Management Operations, is asking residents to prepare to be indoors for a couple of days.

“We would need you to prepare for the possibility that you might have to stay home or spend a few days and plan accordingly,” she said.

With mild temperatures expected from the outset, wet and heavy snow could topple branches and trees and cause power outages across the city. Saskatoon Light and Power is ready to respond as needed.

“This has the potential to be a significant storm and we need our whole community to respond,” she said.

She’s also asking people to have an emergency kit on hand that includes a three-day supply of water, food, medical supplies and anything needed for pets.

Much like what’s being done during the pandemic, Goulden-McLeod also asked people to check-in on loved ones during the storm and have extra batteries on-hand in case of a power outage and to keep devices charged.

Grocery shopping for supplies should be done prior to the storm’s arrival on Saturday.

Residents are asked to clear sidewalks where they can, exercise caution and be on the lookout to report power outages, fallen trees or icy patches at 306-975-2476.

Much of the messaging and preparedness from the city is reminding people of the significant storm in 2007 that shut down chunks of Saskatoon.

Goulden-McLeod is warning people that scenario is possible.

“I think in Saskatchewan sometimes we can be pretty confident that we know how to handle cold weather and we know how to handle storms, but this one has the potential to be bigger,” she said.

As of early Friday afternoon, Environment Canada is not using the term “blizzard” and has issued a winter storm watch for nearly all of central and southern Saskatchewan.

The criteria for a blizzard is when winds of 40 km/h or more are expected to cause widespread reductions in visibility to 400 metres or less, due to blowing snow, or blowing snow in combination with falling snow for at least four hours.

North of the tree line, the duration is six hours.