A weather system bringing freezing rain and snow into the province is expected to impact travel Wednesday evening and Thursday.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Terri Lang says west-central Saskatchewan will be affected first on Wednesday evening, as the system is coming in off the Pacific Ocean and bringing a lot of moisture and freezing rain with it. She says unless driving is necessary, residents should consider staying home. “That whole system will keep making its way across central parts of the province, mostly the northern grainbelt through the day Thursday. We are expecting some heavy snow, particularly through east-central parts of the province,” she forecasts.

Lang anticipates that Saskatoon and Prince Albert will see some freezing rain before the snow begins, and she encourages residents to drive accordingly. She says Prince Albert will see more snow, whereas Saskatoon will experience more rain. The snow is also expected to impact east-central communities such as Hudson Bay, Yorkton, and Nipawin on Thursday. Regina and Estevan are expected to see blowing snow late Thursday evening, possibly impairing visibility.

Lang adds that the system’s severity will differ depending on where you live. “This is one of these potential storms that, especially if you’re in the southwest, it’s going to look pretty nice. It’s going to be mild, and you won’t know it’s going on, but if you’re about to drive from Swift Current to Prince Albert, the conditions will change drastically.”

Aside from the southeast, most of Saskatchewan will be in the clear by Friday. Lang thinks that because Saskatchewan has seen such mild winter weather thus far, drivers are becoming complacent and have not prepared their vehicle for weather events such as this one. Winter tires, an emergency kit, and checking Highway Hotline are three precautions she recommends.