The winter storm watch issued by Environment Canada for Weyburn and area has been upgraded to a winter storm warning, with a change in the forecast for how much snow we could receive. 

The updated forecast, which was released shortly before 3:00 p.m., is now calling for up to 40 centimetres of snow, and periods of blowing snow. The cause of this is a Colorado low that is developing near the Canada-U.S. border that is expected to bring heavy snowfall into southeast Saskatchewan. The snow will be the heaviest Wednesday morning, and snowfall will last into Thursday for many parts of the region.

The snow will also be accompanied by high winds, with gusts upwards of 70 kilometres an hour at times. The rapid accumulation of snow, along with the blowing snow, is expected to make travel difficult in some areas, as road conditions could deteriorate quickly, with visibility reduced to near zero due to the blowing snow.  

"This has the potential to be a really impactful storm," explained Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. While the 40 centimetres of snow is at the high end of what is to be expected, she explained it isn't out of the realm of possibility, as many of the models are showing the bulk of the storm will pass right over Weyburn. She added she thinks 30 centimetres is likely closer to how much snow will be seen in the area, but again, 40 wouldn't be a surprise.

Environment Canada is recommending people postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve, a sentiment echoed by Weyburn Police Service Deputy Chief Brent VanDeSype. 

“Just exercise extreme caution,” VanDeSype told Discover Weyburn. “If your travel is not necessary, stay home. If it is necessary, then reduce your speed, adjust to the road conditions, and just be very safe out there.” 

In terms of preparations by the City of Weyburn, one grader was still set up for winter, and with the forecast calling for snow, they put snow blades onto another grader this morning. The salt/sander truck is set to go out for work at icy intersections, and snow blowers are also available if needed. 

"Staff know that long days are likely ahead," said Paige Tenbult with the City of Weyburn. "We are thankful this is going to hit us through the week and not heading into a weekend. Priority routes and essential service routes come first, and then we can focus on trouble areas as the storm subsides."

You can keep up to date with the latest weather conditions by checking the Discover Weyburn Weather page. You can also keep up to date with the latest highway conditions by visiting the Discover Weyburn Road Report page.