Blowing snow, blizzard conditions to create dangerous travel in Man., Sask.
Snow and gusty winds will bring hazardous driving conditions on roadways in parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan on Sunday, reducing visibility to near zero. Blizzard conditions are likely in parts of southern Manitoba.
Travellers in parts of southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan on Sunday should consider postponing non-essential travel as the forecast calls for blowing snow, and even blizzard conditions for some locales.
The snowfall amounts won't be anything too excessive, but wind gusts of 70-80 km/h in spots will create blowing snow, leading to hazardous road conditions as visibility will be near zero. Orange-coloured blizzard warnings and yellow-coloured blowing snow advisories are in place.
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Road closures are likely. Travel will be dangerous and likely impossible due to near-zero visibility.
Stay aware of highway conditions before hitting the road if you have to go out Sunday. Alternatively, consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Blizzard, wind warnings, and blowing snow advisories issued
A clipper has left fresh snow, and paired with 80 km/h wind gusts on Sunday, has created widespread areas of near-zero visibility with blowing snow.
Travel will be dangerous. or rather impossible, with road closures likely. Temperatures are forecast to fall rapidly, increasing hazards if stranded.
"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. If driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle," Environment and Climate Change Canada warns in the blowing snow advisory.
Widespread blowing snow advisories are in place across southeastern Saskatchewan and regions surrounding the blizzard warning in southern and central Manitoba.
Main hazards in these regions include possible road closures and wind gusts up to 70 km/h.
Communities affected by the bursts of heavy snow will see drifting and reduced visibility before winds subside on Sunday night.
Widespread snowfall totals of 3-5 cm will fall from northern Saskatchewan through southern Manitoba, including Yorkton, Dauphin, and Winnipeg. Communities around the Manitoba Lakes may see 5-10 cm of snow through Sunday. Folks in Regina may see less than 3 cm from this event.
Looking ahead, residents should prepare for widespread severe cold heading into next week, featuring frigid temperatures and dangerously low wind chill values.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.