Key Takeaways:
- A Colorado low is expected to storm through southeastern Saskatchewan on Tuesday evening, bringing heavy snow and severe winds before easing down on Friday.
- Statistics show that after April 11, a storm bringing more than 30 cm of rain has only happened twice in Estevan, Saskatchewan.
- To be prepared for the storm, the Saskatchewan RCMP recommends drivers check the local forecast and remain up to date with the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.
Starting Tuesday evening, a Colorado low is predicted to sweep into southeastern Saskatchewan, bringing heavy snow and high winds before tapering off on Friday.
With gusty winds and up to 50 cm of expected snowfall, meteorologists call the storm “historic.”
According to statistics, a storm bringing more than 30 cm of rain after April 11 has only occurred twice in Estevan, Saskatchewan.
“On average, every 59 years,” said Natalie Hasell, a warning readiness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. “Perhaps it’s fitting that this storm is being dubbed historic.”
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Hasell said the low would not pass into the Canadian Prairies properly. Still, a trough of low pressure will continue north into southeastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba, bringing snow and winds beginning around midnight Tuesday.
She stated that the low is rather deep, and the gradient is steep, resulting in severe wind blows of 70 to 90 kilometers per hour. Snowfall accumulations of 30 to 50 cm are forecast over the country.
“This will result in limited visibility and blowing snow,” Hasell predicted. “Because the low stalls in Minnesota, we’ll be impacted by this storm into Thursday and Friday… As the storm progresses north towards Ontario, conditions in the Prairies should gradually improve.”
Residents are being encouraged to prepare and be prepared to support themselves for up to 72 hours, according to Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) President Marlo Pritchard.
“In rural locations, residents may want to string a safety line between their houses and sheds in case they have to go out during the storm as well as visibility is severely impaired,” Pritchard advised. “When the storm hits, we recommend staying inside and dressing for the weather if you must go out.” If residents must travel during this time, we recommend doing so during the day and informing someone of your route and also expected arrival time.”
The SPSA also wants to remind people that SaskAlert is the government of Saskatchewan’s emergency public alerting service, offering important information on catastrophes in real-time so residents can protect themselves and their families, and their property.
According to the SPSA, “the SaskAlert app is a free download, and users can configure the app and select what notifications they get following these instructions.” “In addition to downloading the SaskAlert app, households should make sure they have a 72-hour preparedness kit on hand,” says the statement.
The Saskatchewan RCMP advises drivers to check the local forecast and stay up to date with the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline to be prepared for the storm.
The Saskatchewan RCMP warned, “Be prepared for anything: consider equipping your car with extra warm clothes, candles, matches, non-perishable snacks, a snow shovel, traction mats, booster cables, and a tow line or chain.” “Do not leave your car if you become trapped on the highway.” Warm up your vehicle regularly, but attempt to save gas. Carbon monoxide could sneak into your vehicle if your exhaust is clogged with ice and snow.”
According to a statement, school transportation for kids at École de Bellegarde will be canceled on Wednesday, April 13, and Thursday, April 14, due to the snowstorm’s expected impact in southeastern Saskatchewan. The school will also be closed on those two days.
Due to the impending storm, the South East Cornerstone Public School Division will likewise be closing its facilities for the next few days.
Visit saskpublicsafety.ca or getprepared.ca for more information about preparing for winter storms and power outages.
Source: Global News
