Freezing rain, icing, some snow most likely impacts from Spring storm

It seems quite likely much of the Pembina and western Red River Valleys will be spared from the heaviest snowfall associated with a complex weather set up that saw its first wave lead to a quick shot of several centimeters of snow along and north of the Trans Canada highway late Thursday afternoon.

UPDATED - heaviest snow expected to miss Pembina Valley

Updated Thursday, March 27th at 4:25 p.m. - It is still likely the Pembina and western Red River Valleys will see some snow from the complex weather set-up occurring over the next 24 hours, but according to Environment Canada, the heaviest bands of snow are now expected to remain further north beyond the region.

Snowfall Warnings have ended for the Carman, Portage, Brunkild, Winnipeg and Steinbach areas. A Special Weather Statement is now in effect.

Wintry start to Spring Break? It could be as Special Weather Statement issued

Ahead of what could be a wintry start to Spring Break, Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for a significant portion of Western and Central Manitoba including the Carman, Portage, Brandon, Souris and Virden areas. Generally speaking, areas south of Highway 23 are currently not part of the statement.

Wind Warning issued with gusts up to 90km/h possible

Environment Canada has issued a Wind Warning Saturday morning for the Pembina and Red River Valleys, including the Morden, Winkler, Altona, Emerson, Morris, Steinbach and Vita regions.

Strong northwesterly gusts up to 90 km/h are expected Saturday morning over these areas.

According to data from the Manitoba Ag Weather Network, a gust of 81km/h was recorded early Saturday morning at Altona; 75km/h at Dominion City; 72km/h at Kane; 71km/h at Gretna and 70km/h at Elm Creek.

Find the latest forecast, here.

Friday's wind gusts reach 100km/h in some areas

February went out like a lion, at least during the morning hours of Friday and from a wind gusts perspective.

"As a potent Alberta clipper moved southeastward through central Manitoba, diving into the United States, very strong northwesterly wind gusts developed around the system," explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. "The pressure gradient around the low, or the difference in air pressure around it and the surrounding airmass, was quite significant. When that happens, very strong wind gusts are likely to happen, and that's what we saw yesterday."

February going out like a lion with very strong winds expected Friday morning

It's a slightly modified take on the traditional weather folklore saying, but it appears February will go out like a lion and March will come in like a lamb. Very strong wind gusts are in the forecast for the early morning hours through early afternoon on Friday. Environment Canada has indicated northwesterly gusts up to 80km/h are possible.