Snowstorm to evolve through the weekend, Environment Canada

Environment Canada expects an ever-evolving weekend of weather watches and warnings as a snowstorm makes its way through the southern half of the province.

“We expect to upgrade the snowfall warnings later in the day (Saturday) to reflect Sunday’s weather,” Meteorologist Jason Knight said as flurries began to fly in Saskatoon early Saturday morning.

Central Saskatchewan will get a taste of the storm first as it continues south, according to Knight.

“We’re looking at a quick 10 to 15 centimetres before the snow tapers of in the evening (Saturday),” he said about Saskatoon and central Saskatchewan. “Then we’ll see a good break until about mid-Sunday morning when the next wave of the system — the main wave of the system — comes in with conditions deteriorating rapidly.”

Freezing rain is forecast to hit Regina and surrounding communities before the heavy snow arrives.

“The total snowfall amounts will be the same for both (central and southern Saskatchewan) but they’re getting it all in one shot, 30 to 50 centimetres for Regina and southern areas,” Knight explained.

Blizzard warnings could become more widespread as the storm system develops over Saskatchewan, he said.

Environment Canada issues blizzard warnings when widespread reduced visibility due to snow is expected for at least four hours.

The Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Val Marie and Cypress Hills areas were the first to have the warnings issued early Saturday morning ahead of conditions forecast for Sunday.