Truck drivers arriving at the Regina Esso truck stop say they faced hazardous driving conditions as a major winter storm moved through southern Saskatchewan. Aman Bal said he left Winnipeg early, knowing the storm was approaching, but the trip still took far longer than usual. “It usually takes six hours, but it took eight or nine hours to get here,” he said. “It was pretty bad near Indian Head.” Some drivers said highways were nearly empty at the height of the storm, with limited traffic on the roads. “We are truck drivers. We have to go to our destinations, do deliveries and loading,” said Jarnail Singh. The weather also disrupted schedules. Driver James Moceros said he missed a 7 a.m. delivery appointment and had to contact his office to rebook. The province’s Highway Hotline advised against travel in several areas, and RCMP confirmed road conditions were poor. “I’ve been out since about 7 a.m., and the conditions according to the Hotline were that travel was not recommended, and I would certainly agree with that,” said Supt. Lee Nelson. Environment Canada said the storm is moving east as it exits the province, but colder-than-normal temperatures are expected to linger. “We are expecting temperatures to be well below normal pretty much for the rest of the month,” said meteorologist Danielle Desjardins. Officials are urging motorists to check the Highway Hotline before travelling, noting that conditions can change quickly. “As we have been seeing throughout this system, it sounds like in the days ahead, the weather is constantly changing,” said Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways. In the storm’s aftermath, Arctic air settling over Saskatchewan is expected to bring the province its next weather challenge.
