Environment Canada issues warning as Saskatoon prepares for freezing rain

‘Rain, Rain, Go Away’ isn’t something people in Saskatoon expected to be singing in early December, but with freezing rain in the forecast, that tune might be heard around the city in coming days.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued freezing rain warnings on Wednesday for Saskatoon and much of central Saskatchewan, with the rain expected to begin Wednesday evening and taper off on Thursday morning as it turns into snow.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said it’s common for freezing rain to occur any time between October and March.

Freezing rain is also more common during El Niño years like this one, she added.

Lang said the coming weather system – which she called “very significant” – could change as it travels across the province.

“It’s going to lead to a bunch of different weather conditions depending on where you are in the province,” Lang said.

“The greatest risk of freezing rain is north of the Yellowhead (Highway) … That freezing rain is expected to transition to rain across much of the southern part of the northern grain belt.”

The freezing rain could turn into snow, which has been late to arrive in much of the province.

“We have had a few bouts of snow, but not that much,” said Lang. “I think in between people forget how to drive in the snow.”

Lang said roads will likely be slick as the weather system moves through the province.

“It will be a tricky driving situation Thursday night into Friday through much of southern Saskatchewan,” the meteorologist said.

The City of Saskatoon is preparing for those icy road conditions.

Tracy Danielson, Saskatoon’s roadways manager, said road crews are preparing by ensuring tools are all in shape and operational plans are up to date.

“Our tools include our vehicles, the units that apply de-icing materials onto the street,” Danielson said.

Danielson said addressing icy conditions is a big job.

“Our crews will be out day and night, continuously monitoring those conditions and applying salt as required,” said Danielson.

There is a priority list for which streets are cleared and salted first, explained Danielson. Circle Drive and other freeways are at the top of the list.

“Other things we focus on are major streets, like Eighth Street, Idylwyld and College Drive, as well as bridges,” she said.

Danielson said the city is also prepared for the eventuality that snow hits the city along with the freezing rain.

The latest information on Environment Canada’s weather alerts can be found on the weather service’s website.