Snow-covered highways, icy conditions making travel difficult between Swift Current and Moose Jaw

Snowfall is creating challenging driving conditions across southern Saskatchewan Tuesday evening, with snow-covered highways, icy sections and reduced visibility affecting travel between Swift Current and Moose Jaw.

According to Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline, Highway 1 along the corridor is reporting covered driving surfaces, with swirling snow, slush and ice adding to hazardous conditions.

Visibility is also reduced in some areas as snow continues to move through the region.

The deteriorating conditions are affecting several major routes across southern Saskatchewan, including Highways 1, 2, 13, 18, 36 and 42.

Highway hotline reporting snow covered roadways

Snowfall expected to continue into Wednesday

A developing low-pressure system moving northward from Montana is bringing a mixture of snow and rain across southern Saskatchewan, with precipitation expected to continue into Wednesday.

The system follows the departure of a ridge of high pressure, allowing a series of weather disturbances to move across the eastern Prairies.

Forecast models suggest a broad area of southern Saskatchewan could receive between four and eight centimetres of snow through Wednesday, although accumulation amounts will vary considerably.

Temperatures hovering near the freezing mark mean some communities will experience a mixture of rain and snow, while melting could reduce the amount accumulating on the ground.

However, those same conditions are contributing to slushy and icy driving surfaces, particularly as temperatures fluctuate.

Radar showing a band of snow in the area

Drivers urged to use caution

Motorists travelling along the Trans-Canada Highway between Swift Current and Moose Jaw are being encouraged to exercise caution as conditions continue to change.

The Highway Hotline's designation of covered roads indicates driving surfaces are covered by snow or ice, while swirling snow can further reduce visibility for motorists.

Slush and icy sections may also make stopping and maintaining control more difficult, particularly at highway speeds.

Drivers should reduce their speed, leave additional space between vehicles and be prepared for changing road conditions.

Anyone planning to travel along Highways 1, 2, 13, 18, 36 or 42 should check the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline for the latest conditions before departing.

Image of the conditions from Marie Simard

Improving weather expected later this week

Snowfall is expected to gradually taper off Wednesday as the weather system moves east.

Temperatures across the eastern Prairies are forecast to return to near or above seasonal values toward the end of the week and into the weekend.

Until then, motorists should remain prepared for winter driving conditions, particularly overnight and early Wednesday when wet and slushy sections may become icy.

Road conditions can change rapidly, and travellers can monitor the latest reports through the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline website.