The first heavy snowstorm of the season hit Moose Jaw on Sunday night, and it was a doozy.
Heavy snow began in the early morning hours and continued throughout the day Sunday, and around 11 a.m. began to have serious effects on the city and surrounding communities.
Power outages were reported in increasing numbers throughout the morning, with much of Moose Jaw and area without power as of 12 p.m. SaskPower crews worked throughout the snowfall to restore electricity, with regular updates posted on www.saskpower.com/outages.
Several highways in the area were also closed, including the Trans Canada Highway from Moose Jaw to Belle Plaine and the junction of Highway 301 in the east and from Mortlach to Moose Jaw in the west.
Highways throughout the area are said to be covered in slush, have icy or slippery sections, drifting snow and zero visibility.
The snowfall is expected to reach amounts in the 10 cm range through the day Sunday, with a further five centimetres overnight. Temperatures will hover around the freezing mark, with an overnight low of minus-2 C and windchill of minus-10 C.
Driving in the city was treacherous, with heavy accumulations on all major streets and large drifts building up, forcing one-lane traffic on several two-lane streets. City crews will be working to clear major thoroughfares as they can.
Conditions are expected to clear Monday morning but remain somewhat windy with gusts up to 50 km/h.
SaskPower crews continued to work to restore power throughout the evening as the storm persisted. Many rural residents reported power outages reaching 12-hour range as line crews battled snow-covered grid roads while trying to reach downed lines.
Be sure to check www.weather.gc.ca or your favourite weather app for storm updates as it continues.
