Environment and Climate Change Canada has upgraded the Special Weather Statement for Moose Jaw and the surrounding area to a Winter Storm Watch. 

The system is expected to start on Tuesday with rain or a mix of rain and snow. Overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday there will be a cool-down to temperatures and a second push of precipitation that will see heavy, wet snow throughout Wednesday and Thursday.  

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Janelle Gergely explained the difference between a Special Weather Statement and a Watch.  

“As the event approaches and confidence increases, you'll see that change. That's what we just saw. We saw it increase to a winter storm watch and then as the event gets even closer, we'll likely see these upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings,” Gergely said.  

The Colorado Low will likely hit south western Manitoba and south eastern and south central Saskatchewan, stretching to near Swift Current.  

A total snowfall of 10 to 25 centimetres of snow is expected, with the worst being in the south eastern corner of the province, and winds gusting between 60 and 80 km/h.  

“Moose Jaw might not see the strongest of the wind gusts, but it does still look like you could see upwards of 20 centimetres of snowfall with this system,” Gergely said  

“One thing to note is that it's going to be such a heavy wet snow and some of it might be combined with rain, so you might not see it start to accumulate right away. It might melt on contact at first.”  

Motorists are asked to avoid travel if possible as road conditions could turn hazardous.  

You can get up-to-date road conditions by visiting Discover Moose Jaw’s Road Reports and Cancellations page and the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.