Prince Albert streets may soon be slicker as a storm system blows through the province through the weekend. (Ronald Quaroni/paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

October Bliss to Bluster

Weekend storm system bringing rain, snow and high winds

Oct 25, 2019 | 12:44 PM

Don’t look now, Environment and Climate Change Canada is predicting an October storm that could pack a punch.

On the heels of what is predicted to be an abnormally warm afternoon, the winds of change are blowing in some adverse weather.

“Around 9 p.m. or so, that’s when the rain will start coming and then it will switch to snow in the early hours of the morning. The strongest wind gusts (70 to 80 km/h) will come after midnight,” Meteorologist Terri Lang warned paNOW. “With the diving temperatures as well, that’s going to make for some sketchy roads, probably icing up pretty quick Saturday.”

Not only will this weekend feature snow and ice, it could be a while until it melts.

“I don’t see the temperatures warming up in the long-range forecast, so perhaps towards closer to the end of the week, but for the first part of the week there is going to be some snow on the ground,” she predicted.

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Lang also had some chilling news for prospective trick-or-treaters.

“At this point in time, it also looks like a pretty frosty Halloween night for the little ghosts and goblins too,” Lang said. “Stick a snowsuit under that costume.”

Not to be taken off guard, Roadways Manager Brent Kennedy has crews ready should the weekend storm prove to be significant.

“When you get to the end of October it is kind of winter season here and we’re ready here. We’ve got our guys and all of our equipment ready for the sanding. The product is there, so if we’re required to be out, we’re set to go,” Kennedy assured.

He also encouraged drivers to take it slow and be patient as crews are out doing their jobs.

Motorists travelling this weekend were encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast at their destination as well as current location. Another useful tool is the Highway Hotline.

Environment Canada had wind warnings issued for the south-west portion of the province as of 10:37 a.m. Friday morning.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni