15-40+ cm snow: Potent winter storm descends on the Prairies
A significant winter storm will impact the Prairies through Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and bitter cold temperatures as the season makes a fierce return to the region.
After the warmest start to February on record across portions of the Prairies, a potent winter storm will create opportunities for impactful, snowy weather through Wednesday.
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The wintry weather started on Tuesday in Alberta and will continue into Wednesday as the storm moves east toward southern Manitoba. Some areas may see blizzard conditions at times, so consider postponing non-essential travel.
Prepare for tough travel through early this week
Ssnow across Alberta will become more widespread throughout Tuesday.
Folks across central Alberta will continue to see challenging commutes as gusty winds up to 30-50 km/h pair with the snow to create low visibility. Tuesday afternoon will be much worse as localized blizzard conditions are becoming more likely across central and eastern Alberta as the wind intensity increases (gusts to 60 km/h+).
Peak storm conditions will develop across both Alberta and Saskatchewan by Tuesday night as the storm shifts east, with heavy blowing and drifting snow expected to create whiteouts.
Farther east, a wintry mix will develop across southwestern Manitoba Tuesday evening before transitioning to snow Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, delays are still expected across Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba due to the lingering snowy trough across the Prairies.
Despite the tapering snow throughout the day, travel conditions will remain hazardous due to blowing snow.
High winds combined with heavy snow will lead to low visibility, whiteouts, and possible road closures. Sustained winds of 30-40 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, could lead to localized blizzard conditions at times. Expect major travel impacts all day Tuesday across central Alberta and Saskatchewan. Visibility will likely be poor, so allow extra time for travel if you have to be on the roads
Shovellable totals likely for many communities
Here are our current forecast snowfall totals from highest to lowest:
Cold Lake: 40+ cm
Prince Albert: 30-40+ cm
Edmonton: 30+ cm
Saskatoon: 20-30+ cm
Red Deer: 20-30 cm
Fort McMurray: 20-30 cm
Grande Prairie: 20-30 cm
Calgary: 15-25 cm
Winnipeg: 15-25 cm
Medicine Hat: 5-15 cm
Thompson: < 3 cm
Snowfall totals remain a bit uncertain at this time, but many areas will likely see enough to affect travel. Even a small amount of snow is dangerous on the roads when high winds create low visibility.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.