As much as 40+ cm of snow: Parts of the Prairies face major winter storm
A significant winter storm will continue to impact parts of the Prairies through Wednesday, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and bitter cold temperatures as the season makes a fierce return to the region.
After the warmest start to February on record across portions of the Prairies, a potent winter storm is creating impactful, snowy weather and will do so for many areas through Wednesday.
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The snowfall has the potential to be record-breaking, approaching or exceeding all-time daily snowfall records for February for some regions, including Edmonton and Saskatoon.
After hitting parts of Alberta with heavy snow on Tuesday, the wintry, stormy weather will continue through Wednesday as the storm moves east toward southern Manitoba. Some areas may see blizzard conditions at times, so consider postponing non-essential travel.
Prepare for tough travel through Wednesday
Peak storm conditions will develop across Saskatchewan by Tuesday night as the storm shifts east, with heavy blowing and drifting snow expected to create whiteouts.
Farther east, a transition to snow will occur Tuesday night in Manitoba, increasing the travel impacts for Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, delays are still expected across Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba due to the lingering snowy trough across the Prairies.
In Manitoba, snowfall continues through the day Wednesday, lifting into the Interlake region. Conditions will improve in Manitoba on Thursday morning.
Despite the tapering snow throughout the day in Saskatchewan, with snow gradually easing from west to east by the evening, travel conditions will remain hazardous due to blowing snow.
High winds combined with heavy snow will lead to low visibility, whiteouts, and possible road closures. Sustained winds of 30-40 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, could lead to localized blizzard conditions at times. Expect major travel impacts all day Tuesday across central Alberta and Saskatchewan. Visibility will likely be poor, so allow extra time for travel if you have to be on the roads
Shovellable totals likely for many communities
Here are our current forecast snowfall totals from highest to lowest:
Prince Albert to Yorkton: 30-40+ cm
Saskatoon: 20-30+ cm
Winnipeg: 20-30 cm
Regina: 15-25 cm
Saskatoon will could see its snowiest February day on record, which, currently, is 30 cm on Feb. 3, 1962.
Many areas will likely see enough to affect travel. Even a small amount of snow is dangerous on the roads when high winds create low visibility.
Following the snowfall, very cold temperatures are expected in Saskatchewan on Thursday, with daytime highs in the -20s. On Friday, it moves into Manitoba.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.