Commuters make their way to a bus stop in south Winnipeg on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. (CHRISD.CA)

WINNIPEG — Commuters woke up to a snowy reality check from Old Man Winter Tuesday morning as the first real dose of seasonal weather arrived overnight.

After a relatively warm and dry fall, the Prairies are receiving a dose of what the first week in December should normally look like.

About 15-30 cm of snow is expected to fall on the city and southern Manitoba over the next two days, not easing up until late Wednesday and possibly into Thursday with some lingering flurries.

The City of Winnipeg is clearing roadways and sanding streets to improve traction. Sidewalks on main routes and active transportation paths adjacent to main routes are also being cleared. Starting Wednesday at 7 a.m., plowing of back lanes will begin and will continue until completed. All snow disposal sites will open tonight at 7 p.m.

A winter storm watch on Sunday was upgraded to a winter storm warning early Monday, prompting city officials to lay out its snow-clearing plan. Sanding trucks and plows have already hit the streets to open up main routes for Winnipeggers. Depending on the significance of the cleanup, it could cost the city up to $6 million by the time the last snowflake falls.

Brandon and the Westman region received precipitation moving in from Saskatchewan on Monday, covering the streets of the Wheat City in a heavy, sticky layer of snow. Winnipeg is receiving the remnants of that system paired with a low moving up north from the U.S.

Once the snow begins to fall, a cold front will move in on Thursday, pushing the overnight low in the city down to -21°C.

Delayed City of Winnipeg services

• Due to weather conditions, Winnipeg Transit is experiencing delays and passengers should allow for extra travel time.
• Handi-Transit clients are being asked to cancel any non-essential trips planned for today by calling (204) 986-5711. Clients should stay on the line if they need to speak to an agent.
• Recycling and garbage collection is expected to be delayed due to accumulations of snow.
  If today is your collection day, you’re asked to leave your carts out until they’re collected.
• The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says adverse weather conditions affect travel times for all vehicles on the road, including emergency vehicles. WFPS is currently experiencing longer response times.

For road and highway conditions, visit Manitoba511.ca. For airport delays, visit WAA.ca.