Spring Break Snowstorm Set to Impact Southern Manitoba

Spring Break Snowstorm Set to Impact Southern Manitoba

Spring Break Snowstorm Set to Impact Southern Manitoba

Alright, folks, just as we were starting to get excited about Spring Break, Mother Nature has decided to throw a curveball our way. A significant snowstorm is set to hit Southern and Central Manitoba, bringing heavy snowfall, gusty winds, and reduced visibility over the next 36 to 48 hours. So, if you were planning on swapping winter coats for lighter jackets, think again—sleds and toboggans might be your go-to instead of bicycles this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued Snowfall Warnings for large parts of the Red River Valley and Southeastern Manitoba, with snowfall accumulations expected to range between 15 to 25 cm in the hardest-hit areas. Meanwhile, regions like Pilot Mound, Manitou, Morden, Winkler, Altona, Emerson, and Morris are currently outside the warning zone, but that doesn’t mean they’ll escape the storm entirely. Accumulating snowfall is still expected, starting Thursday night and lasting through Friday.

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According to weather expert Chris Sumner, this Alberta Clipper is on track to move across the prairies and exit Manitoba by early Saturday morning. He even suggests that for some areas, this could end up being the biggest snow event of the entire Winter/Spring season. That’s quite the statement considering we’re technically in spring now!

For those along the Trans-Canada Highway and areas further south, snowfall amounts may be slightly lower, around 10 cm. However, any shift in the storm’s path could significantly change these estimates. A southward shift could mean more snow, while a northward shift might ease accumulations in our region.

But snow isn’t the only concern—freezing rain is also on the radar, especially near the U.S. border before the snow sets in. Combine that with northeasterly winds gusting up to 60 km/h, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for whiteout conditions and difficult travel. If you’re planning to hit the road, brace yourself for poor visibility and slippery conditions. Travel on Friday, particularly in the hardest-hit regions, could be downright treacherous.

By late Friday into early Saturday morning, the storm is expected to taper off, but don’t expect instant relief. The cold will stick around, with weekend temperatures forecasted to be around 10 degrees below average for the end of March. Highs of -4°C to -6°C are expected, whereas the norm for this time of year is around +4°C.

So, if you were hoping for an early taste of spring, you might need to wait a bit longer. For now, it’s time to dig out those winter boots and shovels one more time. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye on road conditions if you have to travel!

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