Southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Storm’s Path
WINNIPEG – WEATHER – Winter weather is having what many likely hope is a last kick at the cat in Manitoba. A major winter storm is expected to impact the southern parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba starting on Monday and lasting into Tuesday. Blizzard conditions could result from this storm.
It is likely that the storm system could also impact parts of Northwestern Ontario over the early part of the week.
Special weather statement in effect for:
- City of Winnipeg
- Portage La Prairie
- Brandon – Souris
- Southern Manitoba
The storm system is developing over the western United States and is forecast to track across the Dakotas Monday intensifying as it moves into northwest Ontario Monday night into Tuesday.
This system is forecast to bring a widespread area of heavy snow from southeast Saskatchewan across western Manitoba and Interlake regions into central and northern Manitoba.
Further east, precipitation will likely begin as rain or freezing rain over the Red River valley and east of Lake Winnipeg Monday morning before changing over to snow later in the day. Snowfall totals from this system will range from 5 cm in southeast Manitoba to 30 cm or more in a large swath from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border through Norway House to Gillam and east.
Blizzard Conditions Possible
In addition, winds will be increasing Monday into Monday night with areas of blowing snow and poor visibility in open areas. Travel will become hazardous. Blizzard conditions are possible over the Manitoba lakes and much of northeast Manitoba Monday night into Tuesday.
There is still some uncertainty on the exact track and intensity of this system, which will have an impact on precipitation type and overall snowfall amounts. But this will be a high impact storm for many areas, and the public should monitor forecasts and future watches and warnings as this system develops.
Winter storms across the prairies in March are not uncommon. In 1966 the City of Winnipeg was almost shutdown by a major late winter blizzard. Snow and drifting snow piled up across Southern Manitoba during that historic storm.
The storm impacted many people. Schools were closed. Staff at many businesses were trapped at work. CJOB radio host Peter Warren was on air for many long hours helping to direct people to the help they needed. Streets were very difficult to pass for vehicles, and snowmobiles and 4×4 vehicles were in use.
