Highways closed, WHL, SJHL games postponed following blizzard in southern Sask.

Blizzard conditions continued to affect travel and event plans across the southern half of Saskatchewan on Saturday.

By 11 a.m., road closures due to poor visibility and drifting snow included the Regina Bypass, Highway 1 both east and west of Regina, as well as Highways 39, 47 and 18 surrounding Estevan.

By 4:30 p.m., travel restrictions around Regina were been lifted.

However, blizzard warnings for the Carlyle, Estevan and Moosomin areas persisted into the evening.

“We should see gradual improvement from west to east as it moves further eastward into the northern plains of the United States," Dan Fulton, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, told CTV News.

“You’re not safe in March in the prairies. You’re not safe in April, and sometimes you’re not even safe in May. There was a nice break in there for a while but winter has returned.”

At the height of blizzard conditions in Regina, Saskatchewan RCMP advised the public to avoid all non-essential travel after a flurry of reported accidents.

“Saskatchewan RCMP has received multiple reports of non-fatal collisions along these highways and are working hard to respond,” a news release said.

“Non-essential travel on these highways is not recommended. It is important for motorists to be considerate of emergency vehicles who are required to travel through these poor road conditions.”

⚠️Winter wallop expected in parts of Sask. this weekend. Roads + visibility anticipated to be poor. Drivers plan ahead: check Hwy Hotline for road conditions prior to heading out. Avoid or postpone non-essential travel in impacted areas. #SKStorm https://t.co/nvkakKJwvM

— RCMP Saskatchewan (@RCMPSK) March 10, 2023

Snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres were expected for the Regina area.

David Horth, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Highways, said communcation and prepardness is key when winter conditions strike.

“Drive according to the road conditions and please, if it says the road is closed, it means you should not be driving on it,” he told CTV News.

“We don’t make these determinations about travel not recommended or closing roads without giving consideration to all the factors. The great thing about Saskatchewan weather is that if you wait a short time, it actually changes.”

WHL, SJHL GAMES CANCELLED

Due to blizzard conditions, the WHL postponed Saturday’s match up between the Swift Current Broncos and Moose Jaw Warriors.

The game was rescheduled for Sunday, March, 12 at 4 p.m. in Moose Jaw.

Due to adverse weather & unsafe travel conditions, the WHL has announced the postponement of tonight's game between the @SCBroncos & @MJWARRIORS.

The game has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 12 at 4 p.m. (local time).

DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/YKhghJnjOj pic.twitter.com/TMupBk3q0u

— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 11, 2023

The SJHL also postponed two of its games due to the worsening travel conditions.

The matchup between the Notre Dame Hounds and Melville Millionaires was rescheduled for Sunday, with the game time remaining the same.

The time and date for the Estevan Bruins' rescheduled faceoff against the Weyburn Redwings has not yet been determined.

EFFECTS ON BUSINESS

Travel plans and events weren’t the only things affected by the storm.

Local businesses in the Regina area were also forced to close their doors and wait out the snow.

Jony Rahman owns Fancy Fork in Emerald Park and said his establishment missed out on the breakfast and lunch hours due to the highway closures.

“As a business owner, it is a very hard decision to close a restaurant," Rahman said. "But it is for the safety of our staff and for the safety of ourselves.”

Rahman was able to reopen for the evening, with safety top of mind.

“Drive carefully, take precautions, and safety comes first, always.”