(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
WINNIPEG — Southern Manitoba is on the receiving end of a mixed bag of early winter weather today with a storm system bringing snow, rain and slush.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for Winnipeg as a Colorado low treks northward into the region. Environment Canada says Winnipeg could see up to 10 cm of snow by the end of Thursday, with an additional 10-20 cm on Friday and into Saturday.
Heavy snowfall may accumulate on the ground as temperatures dip below freezing overnight.
“In the worst affected area… roughly from just west of Winnipeg to just east of Brandon… heavy, wet snow will continue tonight, then intensify significantly on Friday, accompanied by northerly winds gusting up to 80 km/h.,” the agency says.
Combined with additional precipitation in the form of rain, the province activated the Red River Floodway on Thursday for the first time in the fall season.
The heaviest hit areas of the storm system will be western Manitoba, where some regions could see upwards of 30-40 cm of snow.
“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays,” Environment Canada warns.
The City of Winnipeg says its crews are already salting streets and will begin a plowing operation later tonight.
Updated highway conditions throughout the province can be found by visiting Manitoba511.ca.
