Snowstorm expected to hit Saskatoon, parts of western Sask. Saturday evening

Parts of western and central Saskatchewan are under a winter storm warning this weekend, with the Saskatoon, Battlefords and Lloydminster regions expected to see strong winds and up to 20 centimetres of snow.

A system is expected to hit the province Saturday evening and continue into Sunday, Environment and Climate Change Canada said in alerts issued Saturday morning.

As of early Saturday afternoon, the warnings stretched from the area around Lloydminster in western Saskatchewan in a line to the southeast, including the city of Saskatoon.

Some areas will likely get 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, with freezing rain possible as well, Environment Canada said, with mixed precipitation beginning Saturday evening and changing to widespread snow overnight.

"There are some models suggesting that there will be narrow bands of more intense or more enhanced precipitation. So there are some places that could see more than 20 centimetres of snow," said Natalie Hasell, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

The system will produce heavy snowfall rates of up to two centimetres per hour, and will bring wind gusts of 50 to 60 km/h, the weather agency said.

While the temperatures won't be too cold, the winds might be a problem, said Hasell.

She's reminding people to drive according to conditions and prepare an emergency kit.

"Plan ahead, and have places to go if you need to warm up."