Blizzard conditions will impact parts of the Southwest on Tuesday afternoon and evening

November 16, 2021

After being battered by high winds for much of the day, Southwest Saskatchewan is now preparing for blizzard conditions for the remainder of November 16.

Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm/Blizzard Warning for much of Southern Saskatchewan, as well as Wind Warnings in place for locations which will have lower snowfall amounts.

The region was battered by high winds starting early this morning, with Environment Canada recording unofficial peak gust totals of 113 kilometres per hour in Swift Current, 98 km/h in Assinboia, 93 km/h in Val Marie, and 86 km/h in Leader.

Gusting winds toppled the spire above St. Stephen’s Anglican Church during the morning hours of November 16.

While the heaviest of the snowfall may veer away from the Southwest, the region will see blizzard conditions with poor visibility which will drastically reduce during wind gusts. These extreme conditions are expected to last until late this afternoon and possibly into the evening.

Winds gusts above 90 kilometres per hour were recorded in Swift Current for much of the morning and afternoon hours in Swift Current. A toppled tree branch caused damage to a parked vehicle earlier this afternoon.

Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours.
Individuals who have to travel can visit the Highway Hotline website http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map.html before heading out on the roads this evening and tomorrow.