Humboldt and District EMS reported Hwy 5 to Saskatoon had a mix of road conditions and reduced visibility Thursday afternoon. (HEMS/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

travel not recommended

A mix of conditions on area highways

Jan 15, 2026 | 4:13 PM

The fluctuation in temperatures this week, coupled with today’s strong winds, have made driving conditions less than ideal in parts of the province.

Travel is not recommended on all area highways surrounding Prince Albert. The Highway Hotline reported poor visibility with swirling and drifting snow. However, the conditions appear to improve about a half hour outside of Prince Albert. For example, MacDowall to Saskatoon showed only partly covered highway conditions; so did Highway 11 north of Spruce Home around 3:30 p.m.

Screenshot of the HIghway Hotline as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. (hotline.gov.sk.ca)

While Melfort area highways were listed as only partly covered, Melfort RCMP told northeastNOW that travel should be avoided due to reduced visibility and icy roads. Humboldt and District EMS reported Hwy 5 to Saskatoon had a mix of road conditions and reduced visibility in some areas due to blowing snow.

“Expect slush, ice, sticking snow and wet pavement,” they wrote on their Facebook page.

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Environment Canada issued a wind warning for a large part of the province stretching from the southern border all the way up to La Loche and some areas even further northeast. Wind gusts up to 100 km/h were expected.

SaskPower reported several unexpected outages due to damage caused by trees. Environment Canada warned damage is possible with wind gusts this high, but anticipated they should ease up by the evening.

Bare and dry conditions existed around the Battlefords Thursday afternoon. Meadow Lake and La Ronge area highways were reported as partly covered.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com