The Weather Network is predicting more than 30 centimetres of snow with some areas even seeing as high as 60 centimetres or more. That’s two feet-plus, before drifting. And Moose Jaw is right in the heart of the where some of the worst of the predictions are set.
According to weathernetwork.com, a deepening upper-level trough will cause the current summer-like temperatures to disappear beginning Friday night, followed by increasing snow and wind throughout the day Saturday. Conditions will worsen dramatically Sunday and will include 70 km/h wind gusts, possibly hitting 80 km/h to 90 km/h at times.
"This storm could completely shut down travel across a large part of the region, including a long stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway," warns Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham.
Travel is expected to be all but impossible due to blowing and drifting snow on Sunday, with whiteout and full-on blizzard conditions -- winds of 40 km/h, visibility of 400 metres or less and conditions persisting for four or mor hours -- also expected.
Temperatures are expected to be just below freezing through the day of Sunday, with a high of minus-1 C and low of minus-8, but windchills will make even that relatively mild temperature feel like minus-20 C or worse.
The record for snowfall in Moose Jaw on Nov. 8 is 10.7 cm in 1995; the record for most snow on the ground is 12.0 cm in 1993. Both records will likely fall.
For the full rundown of the potential blizzard, see the full Weather Network story right here, and be sure to keep an eye on your favourite weather prediction centre for consistent updates throughout the weekend.
And click here for a look at blizzard preparations and how to stay safe in dangerous winter weather.
