Winter blasts southern Manitoba

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This article was published 19/11/2024 (488 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Motorists are being urged to drive with caution while much of Manitoba is hit by heavy snow or downpours today and into Wednesday.

The Trans-Canada Highway was temporarily closed near MacGregor, about 100 kilometres west of Winnipeg, due to a crash on a snow-covered section Tuesday.

“Conditions will likely deteriorate across southern Manitoba as the evening goes on, and especially for the (Wednesday) morning commute across the region,” said Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Justin Shelley.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for much of western Manitoba and some northern areas.

Between 15 to 30 centimetres of snow is possible in some places, with greater amounts possible over higher ground in western Manitoba, the forecaster warned.

Some communities will receive their first blast of snow this season.

Environment Canada said precipitation would start off as rain in most western areas before transitioning to snow as temperatures drop. Freezing rain is possible in some areas.

Snow is expected to continue falling throughout Wednesday and visibility is likely to be poor owing to blowing snow in wind gusts of up to 70 km/h.

Winnipeg is included in a special weather statement that covers parts of southern Manitoba that are not subject to the winter storm warning. Environment Canada said 15 to 25 millimetres of rain could fall in the Red River Valley today.

“It’s a bit trickier of a forecast (for Winnipeg and southeastern Manitoba), because the temperatures are going to stay relatively close to the freezing mark,” Shelley said.

Rain will gradually change to snow starting this afternoon in the western Red River Valley and tonight in Winnipeg.

Shelley said the first few centimetres of snow in Winnipeg will melt on contact.

Snowfall will continue tomorrow, although it could be mixed with rain in some places.

By tomorrow night, snowfall accumulations will range from little, if any, near Lake Winnipeg to up to 15 cm in the western Red River Valley, said Environment Canada.

Winnipeg could receive up to 5 cm of snow, Shelley said.

With temperatures close to zero, snowfall amounts could be higher if the track of the system changes even slightly, said Environment Canada.

Highways, roads, walking paths and other surfaces could become icy and slippery, the forecaster warned.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure reminded motorists to adjust their driving for winter road conditions and remain alert when they follow or approach snow plows on the highway.

The province said drivers should not try to pass a snow plow at any time while it is in operation, and they should slow down when passing oncoming plows on undivided roads.

Environment Canada recommended people consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

More snow is possible over the weekend, Shelley said.

Homeless shelters and outreach organizations are preparing for the wintry weather and a drop in temperatures.

The End Homelessness Winnipeg emergency response network includes an emergency housing fund, an overnight warming space operated by Siloam Mission from November to March and an additional 24-7 outreach van to conduct wellness checks.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca