Major spring storm will bring multi-day impacts to Southern Manitoba
After escaping Spring Break without seeing any snowfall, it appears we will pay for that rarity in a big way with a major Spring storm expected to hammer much of the region beginning Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the entire southern half of the province ahead of the Colorado low’s arrival. Multiple days of heavy snow, strong winds and blowing snow are in the forecast.
“It always seems we either see a Spring Break or Easter storm, and this year we received a reprieved during the former, so it appears Old Man Winter will make up for that many times over with what’s expected this week,” said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. “This Colorado low has had my attention, and the attention of forecasters across North America, since late last week. It is setting up to be a potent and powerful system, and without a doubt will impact us. The remaining questions are how much snow will fall and where, and that’s tied to the low’s storm track which is still uncertain at this point.”
According to Environment Canada the are of heaviest snow looks to remain in North Dakota, but substantial accumulations are still expected in Manitoba, most likely near the international border. Storm-total snowfall accumulations near the U.S. border may approach 60 cm. North of this region, general storm-total accumulations of 20 to 40+ cm are possible, including for the city of Winnipeg.
“I want to stress, there is little ‘if this storm will hit us,’” stressed Sumner. “We will feel the impacts of this Colorado low. The question is how significant and serious those impacts will be. Beyond the snowfall expected, very strong wind gusts are also forecast, and that means a high probability of blowing snow, reduced visibility and extremely challenging travel conditions when coupled with the snowfall.”
As the low moves towards eastern Minnesota on Wednesday, strong northerly winds will develop. Winds of 60 to 70 km/h are likely, with the strongest gusts in the Red River Valley up to 80 km/h at times Wednesday night into Thursday. These strong winds, combined with the heavy snow, will produce widespread reductions in visibility. Blowing snow is possible Wednesday, but is more likely Wednesday night through Thursday as temperatures cool somewhat.
“I am very cautious when I say this, but this storm has shades of the Thanksgiving 2019 event which crippled parts of Southern Manitoba due to heavy, wet snow and very strong winds,” noted Sumner. “Now, I want to be clear, I’m not saying that’s what will play out Tuesday night through Thursday, but the expected conditions, projected amount of snow, high winds and duration of the storm are similar to what happened two and a half years ago.”
Sumner added, due to the uncertainty in the exact track the low will take take, there still could be significant changes to what precipitation falls, storm-totals, and what parts of the province are impacted the most.
“With Easter week here, and many of us planning travel and gatherings, now is the time to start thinking about a Plan B, especially if you are considering Thursday or Good Friday,” he said. “Conditions, at this point, are expected to improve on Friday as the Colorado low finally moves out of our area, but the effects from it may still lead to difficult travel Good Friday and possibly Saturday. Keeping a very close eye on the forecast, getting gas in your vehicle and snow blower and making sure you check off your grocery list today through Tuesday would be very good ideas at this point.”