Winter returns in a hurry to much of the Prairies this week, with periods of heavy snow spanning all three provinces at times.
The first snowfall warnings of the season for southern Alberta were issued first thing Monday, with impacts to travel and much slower commute times during the day.
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Dangerous blizzard-like conditions are now expected to impact the eastern Prairies on Tuesday, as a formidable Texas low roars onto the region. Some areas are in line to see 15-30 cm of snowfall, with considerable travel disruptions possible for the hardest-hit regions.
Be mindful before heading out on the roads, and adjust your travel plans accordingly as blowing snow is likely.
In addition to travel issues, power outages are possible as gusty winds and heavy, wet snow add stress to trees and power lines. Winter storm watches and warnings are in place for parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
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Powerful winter conditions will span the eastern Prairies on Tuesday, as a strong, low-pressure system approaching from the south brings rain, freezing rain and snow. Precipitation in many areas will likely start out as rain before transitioning to snow as colder air gets wrapped into the system.
Periods of snow will develop across eastern Saskatchewan and fill in across southwestern Manitoba through early Tuesday, with sustained winds pushing more than 40 km/h out of the northwest. This will lead to reduced visibility and blowing snow concerns.
The rain-snow line will slide east through the afternoon, pushing as far east as Sandy Bay First Nation and Winkler, Man. by Tuesday evening, then will shift further east overnight.
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Heavy snow is expected along the Saskatchewan and Manitoba border, with 15-30 cm forecast. Both Regina and Winnipeg are expected to see lesser amounts of 5-15 cm, with rain also expected as the system begins to move in Tuesday morning.
We’ll continue to monitor the possibility of blizzard-like conditions, as very strong northwest winds are expected to develop as the system intensifies. Sustained winds at 40 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h, could result in visibility reduced to 400 metres or less.
“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations,” says ECCC in a winter storm watch issued for western Manitoba. “Avoid travel if possible.”
Road closures are possible due to the deteriorating and dangerous conditions. Heavy, wet snow can also cause additional issues on the power grid.
Much colder Arctic air will filter in behind the system, with daytime highs in the -5 to -10 range.
Beyond, a more wintry pattern is expected to spill into the final week of November.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.