By Vanese M. Ferguson
Apr 7, 2021 1:49 PM
Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer is extending the provincial public health orders for all parts of the province to April 26th.
Due to increased COVID-19 transmission risk in Regina and area, the public health orders in the Queen City are more limiting with private indoor gatherings limited to immediate household members only; all restaurants and licensed establishments are closed for in-person dining; and most event venues supporting 30 persons or less are not permitted to operate. Travel is also not recommended in or out of the Regina area unless absolutely necessary. Health officials say variants of concern are on the rise in Moose Jaw and Weyburn regions as well.
SaskPower has announced that all customers who lost electricity due to the winter storm that hit Saskatchewan Wednesday and Thursday have now had their services restored, as of 4:45 p.m. Saturday.. . .
Terri Lang, Saskatchewan’s meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said from Saskatoon on Thursday afternoon, “It was an Alberta Clipper; fairly typical of how they act, with the exception that we usually get a big gush of cold air behind, but we didn t have at this time around. But it had sort of a warm air ahead of it, freezing rain, it rained even, and then we got the snow in behind and then really, really strong winds.” She pointed out even lightning was detected in the southwest. She explained, “They’re called clippers because they move very quickly. They form in Alberta. And off they go quickly, through this one actually did damage on the B.C. coast first, then it hit Alberta, did damage there and then came through Saskatchewan so now it s just so on its way out of Manitoba.”
Terri Lang, Saskatchewan meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the clipper was fairly typical of how they act, with the exception that there’s usually a big gush of cold air that comes behind, that didn’t happen this time around. “It had sort of a warm air ahead of it, freezing rain – it rained even, and then we got the snow in behind and then really, really strong winds.” She pointed out even lightning was detected in the southwest. “They’re called clippers because they move very quickly,” Lang said. “They form in Alberta. And off they go quickly, though this one actually did damage on the B.C. coast first, then it hit Alberta, did damage there and then came through Saskatchewan so now it s just so on its way out of Manitoba.”
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca. UPDATE: Wednesday morning: Environment Canada - A strong low pressure system will track across Saskatchewan today giving a wintry mix to most of the province. Precipitation will begin as freezing rain Wednesday morning over the northern grainbelt before switching to heavy snow in the afternoon. Strong northwesterly winds will develop with the snow leading to visibility reductions in blowing snow at times. Snowfall totals with this system will be in the 10 to 15 cm range by time the heavy snow tapers off Wedn