Winter storm conditions expected in western Manitoba, weather warnings issued for other parts of the province
20 and 40 cm of snow possible, while some areas could see mix of rain and snow
Much of Manitoba is preparing for the first winter wallop of the season.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a winter storm warning as a strong low-pressure system rises in eastern Saskatchewan on Monday evening before moving into southwestern Manitoba and Parkland areas on Tuesday morning.
Periods of freezing rain are expected to turn into blowing snow as temperatures drop below freezing, and as winds gust up to 70 and 80 km/h, which will bring reduced visibility.
An estimated 5 to 15 centimetres of snow are projected but some areas could see between 20 and 40 centimetres of snow amid hazardous winter conditions, the national weather agency says.
The system is expected to taper off by Wednesday evening.
As of Monday afternoon, the winter storm warning is in effect in the following areas:
- Brandon, Neepawa, Carberry and Treherne.
- Dauphin, Russell, Roblin and Winnipegosis.
- Melita, Boissevain and Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.
- Minnedosa and Riding Mountain National Park.
- Killarney, Pilot Mound and Manitou.
- Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa and Gladstone.
- Swan River,Duck Mountain and Porcupine Provincial Forest.
- Virden and Souris.
A handful of communities still remain under a winter storm watch, including:
- Portage la Prairie, Headingley, Brunkild and Carman.
- Morden, Winkler, Altona and Morris.
Snowfall warning for areas of northern Manitoba
Northern parts of the province are also expected to receive snow.
The city of Thompson, Split Lake, Nelson House and other nearby communities are bracing for a snowfall warning, according to the national weather agency.
An estimated 10 to 15 centimetres of snow are projected to fall beginning Tuesday afternoon, with 25 centimetres possible in some areas.
The heaviest snow will ease by Wednesday, with light snow continuing Thursday.
Rain, snow on the way for Winnipeg
The city of Winnipeg isn't expected to be exempt from the impending winter weather that is rolling into the eastern Prairies.
Much of Manitoba's Interlake, along with southern communities including and near Steinbach, St. Adolphe, Emerson, Vita and Richer are also under Environment and Climate Change Canada's special weather statement.
Most areas are forecast to receive 10 to 20 millimetres of rain on Tuesday and precipitation will change into snow as temperatures dip. Up to 5 centimetres of snow could fall in these areas.
Most areas will receive 10 to 20 mm of rain through the day, though locally higher values are possible. There is a small chance that the changeover to snow could happen earlier in the day. If that happens, then up to 5 cm of snow would be possible by the evening, according to the national weather agency.
Accumulations will vary widely across these regions will vary considerably, from a trace of snow possible to as much as 10 to 20 cm centimetres.