'High impact' winter storm headed for Saskatchewan Monday

A major winter storm is headed towards Saskatchewan, prompting Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement for Regina and southeastern parts of the province.

It is forecasting a "high impact" storm for many areas and warnedthe public to monitor forecasts and warnings as the system develops. It added thattravel would become hazardous in affected areas.

Heavy snowis expected to fallinsoutheastern regionson Monday as a storm system developing over the western United States intensifies on its path east to Ontario.

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Environment Canada said there was still some uncertainty about the exact track and intensity of the storm system, overall snowfall amounts and the type of precipitation it will bring.

The storm is also expected to bring rain or freezing rain to the Red River Valley and east of Lake Winnipeg on Monday, before changing over to snow later in the day.

Environment Canada said snowfall totals from the system would range from 5 centimetres in southeast Manitoba to 30 cm or more in a large swath from the Manitoba and Saskatchewan border and farther east.

The weather servicepredicts winds will increase on Monday into Monday night, with areas of blowing snow and poor visibility in open areas.

Sunday snowfall

Snow was also falling in Saskatoon Sunday morning, and the city administration waswarning drivers to be cautious behind the wheel. Between 5 and 10 cm was expected to fall during the day, and another 2 cm overnight.

Some flurries and a risk of freezing rain were in the forecast for Regina Sunday morning, with the risk of freezing rain returning after midnight. Environment Canada predicted snow and blowing snow would arrive in the city onMonday.

Drivers werealso being asked to avoid the Maple Creek area Sunday morning. Travel was not recommended at that time due toroad conditions that includedicy or slippery sections, swirling snow, reduced visibility, heavy snow, loose snow, snow drifts, swirling snow and fog.

Special weather statements

A special weather statement is in effect for the following regions:

• Carlyle, Oxbow, Carnduff, Bienfait andStoughton.
• City of Regina.
• Estevan,Weyburn, Radville andMilestone.
• Fort Qu'Appelle, Indian Head, Lumsden andPilot Butte.
• Hudson Bay andPorcupine Plain.
• Humboldt,Wynyard,Wadena,Lanigan andFoam Lake.
• Kamsack, Canora andPreeceville.
• Moosomin, Grenfell, Kipling andWawota.
• Yorkton, Melville andEsterhazy.

Environment Canada advises the people in the affected areas tobe on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions.

For more information and updates visit the Environment Canada website.