Winter storm warning for southern Sask.

Southern Saskatchewan is expected to get hit with a snowstorm ahead of Christmas.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the southern part of the province, with up to 20 centimetres of snow expected to fall by the end of Tuesday.

The affected area spans across the province, from Kindersley south to the U.S. border.

Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang said the storm is going to start in the southwest corner of the province Monday night and travel throughout the south throughout the evening.

“We are expecting quite a bit of snow with this system. It looks like the heaviest snow will probably fall just along the #1 Highway and probably north of there, where we’re expecting upwards of 20 centimetres (eight inches) of snow,” Lang said.

But freezing rain and strong wind gusts – possibly up to 70 kilometres an hour – will also cause problems.

“Combine that with falling snow and you’ve got an excellent recipe for reduced visibility. (Tuesday) is going to be a real messy travel day,” Lang said. “If you can put off travel plans, I would highly consider that and if you do have to travel, make sure to check the Highway Hotline before heading out and be prepared for some serious winter driving conditions.”

Lang said most of the snow could fall between Regina and Saskatoon.

The City of Regina is preparing to respond to the snowfall, with the Queen City expecting 10-to-15 centimetres (four-to-six inches).

Tyler Bien, manager of roadway seasonal operations with the city, said they are making sure they are adequately staffed for the event.

He said while the snow is falling, they focus on high-speed, high-traffic and emergency roads to keep them drivable. Once the snow stops, that’s when the city starts its systematic plow, which entails clearing roads in a priority sequence, starting with the highest-traffic volume roads.

“Along with contracted support, we’re prepared with about 50 pieces of equipment and we’re ready to respond to keep the residents safe and the traffic moving,” Bien said.

Bien said this is a medium- to large-sized snow event for the city.

But there is good news for Christmas, at least weather-wise. Lang said Christmas Day is looking more seasonal, even milder than normal.

“Looks like sunny skies, a really nice day to get out there in the fresh snow and do some walking, some snow-shoeing, maybe some skidooing or sledding,” Lang said. “As far as Christmas goes, I think it will be a nice one, especially because it will be a white Christmas for most of southern Saskatchewan.”