An Alberta clipper is a storm that develops on the eastern side of the Rockies and moves quickly, like a clipper ship on the ocean. “A strong system that developed in Alberta just moved into the province last night and is about to make its way … bringing with it just about everything but the kitchen sink,” CBC meteorologist Christy Climenhaga said Saturday. Environment Canada has painted central and southeastern Saskatchewan red on its public alerts page since Saturday morning, including Saskatoon and Prince Albert, with several snowfall and winter storm warnings. Winter storm warnings are issued when areas experience multiple types of severe weather at the same time. The clipper is expected to reduce visibility to almost zero, with 10 to 20cm of snow and the risk of freezing rain. Heavy snow will begin to fall starting Saturday afternoon, with northwesterly winds gusting up to 80 kilometers per hour, according to the Environment Canada warning. This will lead to significantly reduced snow visibility Saturday afternoon and into Sunday morning. SaskPower reported that at approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, communities southwest of Saskatoon, including Vanscoy, Delisle and surrounding communities, were experiencing unscheduled power outages. Crews have been dispatched to determine the cause and time for repairs, SaskPower said. The Environment Canada public weather alert map shows that much of Saskatchewan is under weather warnings and special weather statements. (Environment Canada) Some southern areas not under a thunderstorm, snowfall or wind warning — including Moose Jaw — were under a special weather statement from Environment Canada, which said strong winds were expected, along with a drop in temperature and rain turning to snow in Saturday and Sunday. The weather service also warned that rain-soaked surfaces are likely to freeze, leading to dangerous road conditions. The provincial highway hotline has advised against travel on roads southeast of Saskatoon, including highways 11 and 41 from 3:30 p.m. CST. Weather conditions are expected to improve during the day Sunday, but poor road conditions will likely remain, according to Environment Canada, which warned against non-essential travel until conditions improve.
