Wet, windy, wicked winter weather set to wallop Saskatchewan

An Alberta Clipper is set to hit Saskatchewan this weekend.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the wet, snowy and windy weather could create challenges for people.

“Travel conditions are just going to be poor across the province,” Lang said Friday afternoon.

Winter storm and snowfall warnings as well as special weather statements have been issued for much of the province.

Saskatoon was among the centres under a winter storm warning, which said the storm would bring 10 to 20 centimetres of snow and the risk of freezing rain.

“By Saturday afternoon, heavy, wet snow will begin to fall and northwest winds gusting up to 80 km/h will develop,” the warning said. “As a result, significantly reduced visibility in blowing snow is forecast during the afternoon and into Sunday morning.”

Conditions are expected to improve overnight Saturday in the western region of the province and on Sunday in the east.

Snowfall warnings were in place in areas around Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain, La Ronge and Prince Albert National Park, with 10 to 15 cm of snow expected.

Regina and other areas in the southern part of the province were included in the special weather statement, which said “strong winds, rain changing to snow and quickly falling temperatures” would hit the area.

According to Lang, blizzard-like conditions are typical for Alberta Clippers.

Lang said people who are travelling this weekend should have an emergency kit in their car and should check the Highway Hotline before they head out.

“If people do have travel plans, they need to ask themselves are they really that important or can they be postponed?” Lang said.

Lang said high winds and snowy weather are something to watch out for.

“Those winds, combined with the snow, can really polish up the roads and also reduce visibility,” said Lang.