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Meteorologist Chris Stammers said snowfall warnings remained in effect on Wednesday morning, but he expects the snow to taper off by the afternoon in most regions. (Image Credit: Environment Canada)
be careful

Travel not recommended across much of Sask. as storm creates tricky driving conditions

Feb 18, 2026 | 9:48 AM

Drivers heading out on the roads and highways in Saskatchewan on Wednesday will want to use plenty of caution.

The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline was recommending against travel on many highways around the province, particularly areas east of Saskatoon, after a significant snowstorm blew into the province on Tuesday, bringing high winds, freezing rain and plenty of snow along with it.

Chris Stammers, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said Regina got about 12 cm of snow on Tuesday, while Saskatoon saw around 11 cm.

“Highest amounts were up in the Meadow Lake and Prince Albert areas,” Stammers said.

“We had estimates of about 15-20 cm in Meadow Lake and about 21 cm in Prince Albert, about 17 cm down in Estevan.”

Stammers noted that snowfall warnings remained in effect on Wednesday morning, and most of the province can expect to see more snow before this afternoon. He said both Saskatoon and Regina can expect another 5-10 centimetres of snow, while areas further northeast, like Humboldt, Nipawin and Hudson Bay, could see 10-15 cm.

“It’ll start to taper off in the afternoon. The heaviest stuff will fall this morning, so it’ll kind of be transitioned to light snow by the afternoon,” Stammers explained.

While the high winds and blowing have begun to die down, Stammers noted that travel will still be an issue in many areas, with the falling snow affecting visibility.

“Everything east of Saskatoon and east of Assiniboia is under travel not recommended,” the meteorologist said.

“Pretty bad conditions out there for travel.”

The Saskatchewan RCMP also advised drivers to use plenty of caution.

“Following a stretch of warm temperatures, it’s easy to forget how quickly weather and road conditions can change,” inspector Lee Knelson, with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, said in a statement.

“As this storm moves in, we’re asking everyone to take a moment to prepare and make safe choices before heading out. If visibility is poor or conditions are deteriorating, the safest decision you can make is delaying travel and staying home.”

The RCMP reminded drivers to stay with their vehicles if they become stranded.

“This is your best chance for survival and helps officers locate you,” the Mounties noted.

The latest updates on the weather alerts can be found on Environment Canada’s website, and current road conditions can be accessed via the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.

SaskEnergy shares safety tips for homeowners

With the snowfall hitting just about every part of the province, SaskEnergy is sharing some safety tips.

The Crown corporation advised homeowners to check that vents are clear of any snow, frost or ice that could block airflow and lead to a malfunction or a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

Homeowners were also asked to keep their gas meters accessible “so our technicians have easy access for servicing, or in case of an emergency,” and to avoid piling snow around gas meters or any exterior vents.

“Snow or ice on the meter can cause damage and lead to a service disruption,” SaskEnergy said in a statement.

“Remove any snow and ice by hand or with a soft-bristle broom. Avoid kicking or hitting the meter to break the ice and do not use a de-icer or hot water to clear the meter.”

–with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink and 650 CKOM’s Marija Robinson