Snowstorm closes some highways, travel not recommended in parts of south and central Sask.

The winter storm is expected to bring up to 40 cm of snow to some areas of the province. In the photo, snow piles on top of a car in downtown Saskatoon as snow swirls around. (Liam O'Connor/CBC - image credit)
The winter storm is expected to bring up to 40 cm of snow to some areas of the province. In the photo, snow piles on top of a car in downtown Saskatoon as snow swirls around. (Liam O'Connor/CBC - image credit)

The winter storm is entering its second day with areas like the Battlefords and Kindersley having their surrounding highways shut down or rated as travel not recommended by Highway Hotline.

Snowfall totals for areas in central and southern Saskatchewan are expected to reach up to 40 cm, and with wind gusts of 60 to 70 km/h, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Highways surrounding Saskatoon, the Battlefords and Kindersley range from travel not recommended to closures. Highway 16 leaving North Battleford for is closed as of 10:45 a.m. CST on Sunday.

The City of Saskatoon reported 21cm of snow accumulation and have set priority on plowing Circle Drive. All highways leaving the city are listed as travel not recommended by Highway Hotline.
The City of Saskatoon reported 21cm of snow accumulation and have set priority on plowing Circle Drive. All highways leaving the city are listed as travel not recommended by Highway Hotline.

The City of Saskatoon reported 21cm of snow accumulation and have set priority on plowing Circle Drive. All highways leaving the city are listed as travel not recommended by Highway Hotline. (Highway Hotline)

The City of North Battleford says recreation facilities including the Access Communications Centre, Don Ross Arena, Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre, NationsWEST Field House and the Don Ross Community Centre are closed because of the weather.

Their road crews have been out since 5 a.m. clearing priority one streets but they say the sheer volume of snow is slowing them down.

The City of Saskatoon reported 21 cm of snow accumulation and have set priority on plowing Circle Drive, grading priority one streets like roads to emergency services, then also clearing snow from priority two and three streets, which are main roadways in neighbourhoods and transit routes.

The city asks residents to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours and businesses to do the same within 24 hours.

Delays and frequent disruptions are expected with transit according to the city, and checking the transit app is the best way to be up to date.

Access Transit is also limited, the city said, and "will operate as emergency services only, provided buses are able to access the area."