SOUTHEAST SASKATCHEWAN - The snowfall warnings for southeast Saskatchewan have come to an end.
The advisories were announced Tuesday afternoon by Environment Canada. One, for Estevan, Weyburn and surrounding areas, came to an end late Wednesday afternoon.
The other, for the Carlyle region, was lifted Wednesday evening.
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The latest special weather statement for southeast Saskatchewan has been lifted, and it has been replaced by a snowfall warning in some parts.
The special weather statement was issued early Tuesday for most of the southeast region. It was lifted Tuesday mid-afternoon.
A snowfall warning was issued for Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle and surrounding areas at 3:15 p.m. It states that snowfall with total amounts of 10-20 centimetres is expected for portions of southeast Saskatchewan on Wednesday.
"A Montana low-pressure system will begin to spread accumulating snow to extreme southeastern Saskatchewan Wednesday morning before ending overnight. Areas closest to the American border will see the highest amounts with 24-hour total snowfall accumulations close to 20 centimetres."
According to Environment Canada, this early snowfall is a reminder that winter is just around the corner, and residents are encouraged to prepare for winter driving conditions and falling temperatures.
"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions," Environment Canada said.
Much of southern Saskatchewan has already had its first snowfall of the year. A snowfall warning was in effect earlier this week for the Swift Current area.
Due to the snow, the Highway Hotline reported that winter conditions existed on most routes, as they were wet and subject to freezing, and had slush on the surface.
The Saskatchewan RCMP responded to numerous collisions due to the weather. One was what they called a "serious collision" on Highway 33, approximately one kilometre northwest of Kronau.
Also, the westbound lanes of Highway 1 near Belle Plaine were impacted by multiple semis hitting guardrails.
Detours were anticipated to be in place for several hours in both areas, the RCMP said Tuesday morning. According to the Highway Hotline, Highway 33 near Kronau was still closed as of 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Motorists were asked to slow down and follow the direction of emergency personnel on scene. They could also consult the for up-to-date information about road closures:
The Saskatchewan RCMP also responded to a collision involving two semis on Highway 10 approximately six kilometres east of Fort Qu’Appelle. Highway 10 was completely blocked with one semi jack-knifed across the road. The RCMP said no injuries had been reported.
The affected portion of Highway 10 has since reopened.
Roads in parts of Saskatchewan have been snow-covered and slippery or icy, the RCMP said. From midnight to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Division Operational Communications Centre received approximately 36 reports of weather-related traffic issues from across the province. These include multiple motor vehicle collisions, as well as vehicles stuck in the ditch.
