Saskatoon crews clean up after wicked blizzard

The latest storm to hit Saskatoon this winter didn’t drop the most snow, but it was arguably the most fierce.

The city estimated it received more than five centimetres from the blizzard on Monday. The snow combined with strong winds created large snow drifts that stopped vehicles in their tracks.

As of 6 a.m., the city said Claypool Drive near the city’s airport was closed due to stranded vehicles stuck in snowdrifts.

The city advised people in the Hampton Village neighbourhood to find another route to work, but many drivers chose to ignore the barricades and risk it.

1/2 The @cityofsaskatoon says Claypool Dr. Is closed because of drifting snow from yesterday’s blizzard…even though barricades are up- it’s not stopping anyone from driving on it anyway.@CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/bTKeBhBmTY

— Lara Fominoff (@LaraFominoff) February 1, 2022

2/2 I was wondering why the cars were weirdly looping around Claypool Dr.- turns out they’re stopping for their @TimHortons first- and THEN going through the barricade. @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/zKH1ioi06o

— Lara Fominoff (@LaraFominoff) February 1, 2022

The city says 26 city and contractor graders, four loaders and eight plows are out clearing priority streets and addressing problems with drifting on streets. Sidewalk clearing is ongoing on pathways, bridge walkways and adjacent to city facilities.

Residents can report locations with heavy drifting that is making a street impassable by calling the city at 306-975-2476.

These three cars are completely buried in snow on Market Drive westbound by Costco. It’s impassable right now. One man trying to dig out his car says he got stuck around 10pm last night. @CKOMNews @CJMENews @cityofsaskatoon @SPSTraffic @SaskatoonPolice pic.twitter.com/IdGjOPvtyD

— Lara Fominoff (@LaraFominoff) February 1, 2022

School and bus cancellations

The Prairie Spirit and Horizon school divisions decided it was to dangerous to operate school buses and moved classes online on Tuesday.

The Greater Catholic School Division cancelled classes at Holy Trinity in Warman, Ecole Holy Mary in Martensville and St. Augustine and St. Dominic schools in Humboldt.