Environment Canada says it’s only a matter of time before a potentially severe storm hits the province.
Sara Hoffman, Meteorologist, stated Monday that a spring thunderstorm will strike southeastern Saskatchewan as early Tuesday night near midnight and early Wednesday morning.
The storm is threatening areas near Moosomin (Estevan), Carlyle, Weyburn and Carlyle.
Areas to the east and south are bracing for a severe spring storm. Hoffman said Monday afternoon that heavy spring snow is expected in most of the east, from Regina to Yorkton.
Environment Canada issued Monday winter storm watches for the province’s southeast corner.
Don’t travel. According to the alert from the weather office, this storm could be the most severe blizzard in decades. Make sure to stock up on medications and supplies now.
Power outages can be expected. Extended outages are especially important for rural areas.
Hoffman says that large amounts of snow and strong winds can cause chaos on the roads.
Winds from the northeast will also pick up, and we could see gusts reaching 90 km/hr by Wednesday afternoon, she stated.
Hoffman predicts that sustained winds will hover around the 80 km/h mark.
We can expect heavy snow and gusts to cause near zero visibility and blowing and falling snow.
Hoffman said that the storm is likely to continue through Friday and into Easter weekend.
Luckily things improve for Friday and Saturday, however we still may be digging out given the extreme snowfall,” she said. “Southeastern portions of Saskatchewan could see up to 50 centimetres of snow.
Hoffman claims that Regina could get 15-25 centimetres of snow.
She advises not to take chances on highways if it is not necessary and to check the Highway Hotline prior to taking off.
Some residents of the area had prepared for the storm by buying plenty of supplies in advance.
One woman posted on Facebook how she was able get food to sustain her family in the event of a power failure and flashlight batteries. She also downloaded shows onto her family’s tablets so they would have something to watch if the power failed.
Another person on social media said they had candles, bottled water, canned goods, bread and peanut butter at the ready — and a full tank of gas in case they had to charge their phone in the car.