Environment Canada Warns Alberta Storm Could Bring 110 km/h Gusts

Environment Canada issued special weather statements for Regina and Saskatoon as an alberta storm was expected to bring wind gusts up to 110 km/h starting Wednesday evening. The forecast covered central and southern Saskatchewan, with the strongest winds due to worsen on Thursday and Friday before tapering Thursday night.

Regina and Saskatoon

The agency said the spring storm was being driven by an intense low that began brewing in Alberta on Wednesday morning. In Regina and Saskatoon, gusts were expected to range from 70 km/h to 110 km/h, a level Environment Canada described as highway speeds.

Environment Canada warned that damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters was likely. It also said transportation, services, and utilities could be disrupted, and that wind could blow dirt and reduce visibility for drivers in drier, dustier parts of the southern Prairie cities.

Southern Saskatchewan Forecast

The forecast was less severe for southeast and east-central communities, though Environment Canada said heavy rainfall was possible there. By Friday night, the agency expected 20 to 40 mm of precipitation in southwestern and west-central areas of the province.

Driving conditions were expected to be very difficult, and high-sided vehicles could be overturned by the wind. Environment Canada also advised pedestrians to keep their heads up and watch for flying or falling objects.

Storm Timing

The strongest winds were expected to begin Wednesday evening, then worsen through Thursday and Friday during the day. The winds were forecast to temporarily taper on Thursday night before building again later in the week.

For people in Regina and Saskatoon, the main practical issue is timing: the worst of the alberta storm is set to arrive after Wednesday evening and continue disrupting travel, visibility, and exposed property into Friday.