After several weeks of mild weather, it’s been easy to feel like spring has already arrived on the Prairies.
But as every Saskatchewan resident knows, this warm spell was only our annual bout of ‘fake spring’. Winter is far from finished, and colder weather is set to return—and soon.
“Following a stretch of warm temperatures, it’s easy to forget how quickly weather and road conditions can change,” says Insp. Lee Knelsen, Operations Officer of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “After taking a look at the weather forecast, it’s clear that winter isn’t finished with us yet. 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.”
Beginning Tuesday afternoon, weather experts forecast heavy snowfall and strong winds in many parts of the province, particularly the central and southern areas. White-out and blizzard-like conditions were forecasted.
The Saskatchewan RCMP anticipate the blustery conditions will continue overnight and into Wednesday. In a press release, RCMP officials reminded residents to refresh themselves on winter driving safety.
- Firstly, drivers should scrape their windshield and brush all the snow off their vehicle before driving.
- Secondly, they should keep their gas tank more than half full
- Thirdly, everyone should tell someone where they are going, and when they are expected to arrive at your location
- Fourthly, turn on your headlights and taillights, and ensure that they are cleaned off
The RCMP also added that drivers should travel at a speed that allows them to keep control of their vehicle, even if that’s below the speed limit. Also slow down to 60 km/hr when passing emergency vehicles, such as tow trucks, EMS, fire and police, giving them room to do their work safely.
Stay on main roads, and finally, have an emergency kit inside your vehicle that contains warm clothes and water in the event you become stranded during your travels.
Remember, only travel when its safe. If you can’t see, you can’t safely drive. If poor road conditions exist or are forecasted, please delay travel if possible. To check road conditions, as well as which roads have been plowed, salted, and/or sanded within the last two hours, visit hotline.gov.sk.ca/map (English only).
Saskatchewan RCMP also want to remind the public that if you get stranded, always stay with your vehicle. This is your best chance for survival and helps officers locate you.
For more winter driving safety tips, such as how to properly stock your vehicle, what to do before you hit the road, how to drive on icy and snowy conditions, and what to do if you get stranded, visit the Saskatchewan RCMP website.
