Towns, cities in path of spring storm prepare for 'historic' blizzard

Southeastern Saskatchewan is preparing to be walloped by a spring blizzard that climatologists say only happens a few times in a century and communities in its path are preparing for the worst.

Blizzard warnings are in place in communities such as Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle and Moosomin.

Up to 50 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in that region between Tuesday night and Friday morning.

It is expected to be accompanied by northerly wind gusts between 70 and 90 kilometres per hour, producing zero visibility at times.

Larry Tomlinson, mayor of the Town of Moosomin, said the residents are preparing for the storm while the town gets spaces ready for stranded travellers. In past storms, people have become stranded on the highway. 

"My wife went to the grocery store [Tuesday] morning and [it] was packed with people so I think people are preparing somewhat," he said.

"Hopefully every body stays put and doesn't go on the roads."

Part of Moosomin's emergency plans includes the churches, which open their doors to people stuck in town without somewhere to stay.

Jonathon Shierman, lead pastor at the Moosmonin Baptist Church is used to working through emergencies. He was an associate pastor at a church in Calgary during the 2013 flood.

"You never know what to expect in a day or two days from now. Usually the most important thing is human resourcing," Shierman said.

"People who are willing to step up with generators or bring food or cook food—and we've got that in spades."

The church is outfitted with food, generators and somewhere to sleep.

Trena Kelly, centre manager for Co-Op Gas Station in Moosomin, said she won't be open around the clock but the company will do its best to accommodate people's needs. 

Kelly, who has spent seven years at the station, said she doesn't remember a storm "quite this big" in a while and expects a busy store and parking lot.