A strong storm is heading to Saskatchewan, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special weather statement, warning residents to prepare.
The storm is expected to start in southwestern Saskatchewan on Wednesday evening and will move across the province by Thursday morning. Meteorologist Dan Fulton says, “Thursday won’t be pleasant for much of the province.” The storm will be strong, packing intense winds and a significant amount of moisture.
Wind gusts could reach 80 km/h from the south, followed by westerly winds of 70 km/h. The statement warns that these conditions could lead to damage to roofs, fences, and trees. In some areas, blowing dust might reduce visibility for drivers, especially in high-sided vehicles, making them more prone to tipping over.
As the storm progresses, there could also be service disruptions in certain areas. Fulton advises taking caution outdoors, as flying debris poses a real danger.
The rain will hit both dry areas and those with existing flooding. Fulton notes, “Parts of Saskatchewan are dry, but some are facing flooding issues.” He believes the rain will likely be steady and not extremely heavy, which might help ease flooding concerns.
The ECCC advisory applies to all of southern and central Saskatchewan, with the western half, from Meadow Lake to Swift Current, expected to receive the most rain. Some areas could see up to 25 millimeters on Thursday alone, with totals possibly reaching 40 millimeters by the end of the storm.
Recent statistics show that wildfires have become a growing concern in Saskatchewan due to climate change, with 2021 experiencing a record number of wildfires. The Meewasin Valley Authority recently issued an extreme fire alert for the Saskatoon region. They noted that strong winds and dry conditions mean a small spark could ignite a fire, quickly spreading in these vulnerable areas.
As this storm approaches, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and cautious. For more details on weather updates, visit ECCC’s official page.
Source link
