"As we continue to see the details around this storm firm up, and the track the Colorado low becomes more certain, it's increasingly looking likely this will be a a major, and potentially record setting, Spring snowstorm that may even eclipse the impacts of the Thanksgiving 2019 event which led to widespread power outages and staggering snowfall totals."
That from CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner Monday morning as the system, which has the attention of meteorologists and forecasters across Canada and the northern United States, remains on track to impact much of Southern Manitoba beginning Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.
Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the southern half of the province ahead of the Colorado low's arrival, which is expected to bring several days of impactful weather to the region.
"To be clear, there is no "if" remaining whether we will get hit," he added. "We are now into the timeframe of fine tuning storm totals as the low's track solidifies. That path will play a critical role in determining which areas see the most snow and the strongest wind gusts."
Widespread snowfall accumulations of 30-50 cm are forecast, with potentially higher totals up to 80 cms in the higher terrain of western Manitoba and the western Red River Valley. The storm will be accompanied by northerly winds gusting 70-90 km/h, producing zero visibility at times in blowing snow and blizzard conditions.
"This system is pulling northward moisture rich air from the Gulf of Mexico, and that's why we're expecting such significant snowfall accumulations," explained Sumner. "That moisture rich air will feed the snow machine that will be this Colorado low, and may ultimately lead to storm totals we haven't seen in years."
By Wednesday morning heavy snow will be falling through much of the area, with the snowy and windy conditions expected to continue through to early Good Friday morning. Conditions should begin to improve Friday as the winds taper off, and the heaviest snow moves into northern Ontario.
"Travel conditions will deteriorate throughout Wednesday, and will be very difficult by the evening hours," noted Sumner. "Those conditions will only get worse as the storm piles on the snow, and the strong winds blow. It's not very often we say, 'travel may be impossible,' but in some locations, due to low visibility, drifting and heavy snow, it may not only be impossible to get out of town, even driving in your community may be challenging."
Sumner stressed preparing now for what's come, keeping in mind what the impacts of the Thanksgiving 2019 storm, is an important thing to do right now.
"Take Monday and Tuesday to stock up on groceries, gas for your vehicles and generator if you have one, pick up those prescriptions and then be prepared to hunker down for two to three days starting Wednesday," he said. "Once the snow and wind begins, we will be in it for 48 hours or more. Taking some time this morning to think about what not being able to get around means for that period of time will put you in a better position to weather this storm."