winter warning

Spring begins in two days, but parts of the southwest are expected to get at least one more blast of winter as the season ends.

A winter storm watch that was issued by Environment Canada this morning for the Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Cypress Hills and Leader areas was upgraded this afternoon to a winter storm warning. The weather agency says between 15 and 30 centimetres of heavy, wet snow could fall in those areas tomorrow, with the heaviest snowfalls expected toward the Alberta boundary west of Kindersley and south through Leader and the Cypress Hills, as well as strong winds and reduced visibility in blowing snow. They add conditions are expected to improve later in the evening as the storm tracks toward the northeast.

Forecasters are expecting much less snow tomorrow in other parts of the southwest, but there are also strong winds expected and the possibility of freezing rain.

If you plan on heading west tomorrow, make sure to plan ahead and keep an eye on the road and weather conditions before leaving home. You can check the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline by calling 1-888-335-7623, or by clicking the Road Report link on Swift Current Online. You can also check Alberta Highway Conditions on the Alberta Motor Association website.