Winter storm to bring heavy snow, low visibility and potential power outages

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This article was published 02/03/2024 (896 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans who are expected to bear the brunt of a major winter storm that could dump up to 40 centimetres of snow have been urged to stock up on supplies and then hunker down Sunday.

All southern and central areas were covered by a winter storm or blizzard warning, winter storm watch or special weather statement issued by Environment Canada as of Saturday afternoon.

“There’s a good wintry mix of weather coming our way. It’s going to leave a pretty big swath of heavy snow in its wake,” meteorologist Justin Shaer said of the low-pressure system from Montana.

Driving conditions are expected to become hazardous and some highways could close. There is a potential for power outages, said Shaer.

The system is expected to turn toward the northeast and begin cutting across Manitoba late Saturday afternoon. Snow and blowing snow will continue Monday.

The highest snowfall amounts are predicted for communities in western Manitoba, the Interlake and the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg.

In those areas, daytime temperatures will be near -5 C on Sunday and as low as -10 C to -15 C at night.

Snowfall accumulation totals will likely be lower in Winnipeg and southeastern areas, because snow is expected to temporarily switch to ice pellets, freezing rain or rain Sunday, when temperatures are at or just above freezing.

Winnipeg could see about 10 cm of snow before the storm moves on, depending on how long the mixed precipitation lasts, said Scott Kehler, president and chief scientist of Weatherlogics.

“Winnipeg ends up in the uncertain zone,” he said.

Sustained winds of 60 km/h and gusts of 80 km/h are also expected. Blizzard conditions are likely in some areas, when snowfall rates and wind speeds increase, Environment Canada said.

The national weather forecaster said travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible due to near-zero visibility or rapidly accumulating snow Sunday.

Kehler said highway closures are expected.

“I wouldn’t advise people to travel (Sunday),” he said. “If you can stay at home, that would be the best thing to do.”

A lot of snow is expected in the Parkland Region, especially over higher terrain.

South of Riding Mountain National Park, the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson told residents to stock up on supplies, avoid travelling Sunday and be prepared to be stuck at home.

“I hope this isn’t going to be as severe as the one in 2021,” said Reeve Victor Baraniuk. “We were really snowbound badly.”

During that storm, roads became impassable — raising concerns about access for emergency services — and homes were without electricity for about two days.

A lot of residents have since bought portable generators in case there is another lengthy power outage in the future, said Baraniuk.

The Parkland-area municipality is expecting up to 50 cm of snow. Plows will be out, but residents were told it could take several days to clear all rural driveways.

“Hopefully, we can get through this OK,” said Baraniuk.

Provincial snow-clearing crews are also on standby.

Victoria Beach-based Henry Latkolik and fellow tow truck drivers were preparing their fleets, in case they are called out to rescue stranded drivers.

Latkolik is hoping people err on the side of caution and stay off the roads.

“Who knows how long this is going to last or how severe it’s going to be?” he said, while en route to a grocery store to buy milk and other basic supplies. “This one sounds like it is going to be a pretty doozy of a storm.”

At home, he planned to get a fire going Saturday evening in case the power goes out.

During a significant storm last year, it took him an hour to reach some drivers, because the conditions forced him to drive slow.

“If you don’t have to travel, don’t travel,” said Latkolik. “Don’t put me at risk. Don’t put the police and the fire department at risk. Wait the storm out.”

Shaer and Kehler encouraged Manitobans to prepare for potential weather impacts and pack an emergency kit for their vehicle, if they have to travel.

Environment Canada advises people to remain in their vehicle, if they become stranded.

After the storm passes, the Manitoba government’s flood forecasters will analyze precipitation amounts and factor them into a new spring flood outlook.

The province said the storm will bring 15 to 35 millimetres of precipitation to most parts of Manitoba.

On Friday, the hydrologic forecast centre said the current risk of significant flooding across the province’s basins is low to moderate.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca