By Chelsea Laskowski

Prince Albert at centre of snowfall warning

Nov 22, 2014 | 11:10 AM

With a snowfall now underway that could leave up to 15 centimetres (half a foot) of snow on the ground in the next 12 hours, Highway Hotline’s travel warnings are getting serious.

On Saturday morning Environment Canada upgraded a special weather statement regarding central areas of the province to a snowfall warning.

The heaviest snow is expected to fall Saturday into Sunday morning between Prince Albert and Saskatoon, with these areas receiving 10 to 15 centimetres of snow.

Environment Canada foresees the weather system to bring snow mainly along and north of Highway 16(Yellowhead Highway) Saturday afternoon. The periods of heavy snow combined with brisk east and north eastern winds mean reduced visibility on the roads and blowing snow in open areas, Environment Canada reports.

The snowfall warning is in place throughout the northern grainbelt, including Nipawin, Tisdale, Big River, Shellbrook, and Saskatoon.

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While temperatures will stay mild the wind is a factor on the highways.

“As the system transits across the province winds are going to start picking up 30 gusting 50 kph [kilometres per hour] so there could be some visibility reductions,” said Knight.

Highway Hotline started putting out “travel not recommended” warnings by mid Saturday morning due to icy sections, swirling snow, and drifting snow.

This included Highway 2 south of Prince Albert down to Highway 16, Highway 41 between Wakaw and Saskatoon, and Highway 20 by Middle Lake.

Even within Prince Albert, the snow sticking to the roads combined with blowing snow forced drivers to be extra cautious. Soon after the snow started falling in the morning local businesses started shovelling their walkways, and one bicyclist in the downtown area fell and had to walk with his bike as he limped away.  

-With files from Lisa Schick and Chris Carr

claskowski@panow.com

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk

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