Strong winds could damage buildings and result in power outages, Environment Canada says
Much of southern Saskatchewan is being hit with strong winds Saturday afternoon, with gusts reaching 100 km/h, according to Environment Canada.
Estevan saw sustained winds of 72 km/h in the morning, with gusts up to 105 km/h, the weather agency said.
It has issued wind warnings for most of the province’s south, saying strong sustained winds of 60 to 70 km/h were expected Saturday, gusting as high as 90 to 100 km/h. The strong winds could damage buildings and result in power outages, Environment Canada warned.
The Balgonie Fire Department posted a photo on social media showing an overturned semi-trailer truck, and warning that the Highway 10 overpass was closed early Saturday afternoon due to wind.
The wind warnings include the cities of Regina, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
Wind warnings are issued when gusts are projected to reach between 60 and 90 km/h, Environment Canada said.
Shannon Moody, a meteorologist with the agency, said the winds are coming from an Alberta clipper weather system that developed Friday and has brought the severe winds to Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Moody said wind conditions are expected to improve by Saturday evening.