Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 10:55 am – A powerful spring storm is underway, with over 50 cm of snow, which will have a significant impact on the eastern prairies and northwestern Ontario.
Widespread winter warnings cover the eastern prairies and northwestern Ontario, as a powerful multi-day system threatens heavy snow and dangerous snowstorms. People are strongly urged to stay out of the way, and RCMP Manitoba has even chosen to close all major highways before the storm arrives late Tuesday night.
“Please note that the trip is very discouraging and that alternative plans need to be arranged,” a statement from RCMP Manitoba said.
Widespread disruptions such as road closures, power outages and school closures will affect the region by Friday. For the first time in 25 years, all Winnipeg subway schools have closed.
More about the weather and what you can expect in the coming days, below.
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The low in Colorado quickly intensified as it approached the eastern prairies late Tuesday night. South of the border will bring the threat of snowstorms in the northern plains and several days of strong thunderstorms for the southern half of the plains and the states in the deep south.
Snow began to fall in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba first on Wednesday morning, with heavy snowfall expected in much of the area as the storm continues to head north. About 10 cm had already been reported in the Winnipeg area before 9 am.
Strong north winds with gusts of up to 70 km / h will develop with this system and will last until Friday morning, while low winds will slowly pass through Minnesota on their way to northwestern Ontario.
Snowfall will continue to increase, with a few centimeters per hour possible at times throughout Wednesday.
As heavier snowfall rises in the north, snowfall may temporarily decrease later in the day for the southern regions, but snowfall levels will increase again on Thursday and will be widespread in the southern parts.
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This is emerging as a historic storm with high impact with steep snowfalls and gusts of wind that could lead to periods of dangerous eclipse conditions in many areas. Widespread warnings of winter storms and blizzards are in effect.
For the first time, RCMP Manitoba chose to close all major highways before the storm arrived on Tuesday night – an effort to help drivers stay trapped on the roads.
“If you decide to travel, be warned that first aid services may not be able to reach you if you remain blocked or need help,” tweeted RCMP Manitoba.
In anticipation of the upcoming storm, #rcmpmb decided to close all major highways in the southern part of MB around midnight or when it starts to snow. If you decide to travel, be warned that first aid services may not be able to reach you if you remain blocked or need help.
In anticipation of the upcoming storm, RCMP Manitoba on Twitter: “In anticipation of the upcoming storm, #rcmpmb decided to close all major highways in the south of MB around midnight or when it starts to snow. If you decide to travel, be warned that first aid services may not be able to reach you if you find yourself blocked or need help. pic.twitter.com/u52N5mL8bC / Twitter “decided to close all major highways in the south of MB around midnight or when it starts to snow. If you decide to travel, be warned that first aid services may not be able to reach RCMP Manitoba on Twitter: “In anticipation of the impending storm, #rcmpmb has decided to close all major highways in the south of MB around midnight or when it starts to snow. If you decide to travel, be warned that first aid services may not be able to reach you if you find yourself blocked or need help. pic.twitter.com/u52N5mL8bC / Twitter “
– RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) RCMP Manitoba on Twitter: “In anticipation of the upcoming storm, #rcmpmb has decided to close all major highways in the south of MB around midnight or when it starts to snow. If you decide to travel, be warned that first aid services may not be able to reach you if you are blocked or need help. pic.twitter.com/u52N5mL8bC / Twitter ”
The journey will become more difficult as the day progresses on Wednesday.
“Don’t plan to travel – this storm has the potential to be the worst blizzard in decades,” Canada said of the environment and climate change in a winter storm warning.
Power outages are likely, and rural areas in particular need to be prepared for long-term outages. In addition, school cancellations are widespread.
It has been 25 years since all Winnipeg subway schools were forcibly closed due to weather. It was announced on Tuesday night that all schools and administrative offices in the city would be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and that employees were encouraged to simply stay at home. Due to winter warnings, the Northwest Ontario Student Services Consortium announced that all school buses were canceled on Wednesday.
Snowstorm warnings are available in communities such as Weyburn, Estevan, Carlisle and Musomin, Saskatchewan, where officials are implementing emergency plans. According to Larry Tomlinson, mayor of Musomin, church space is being prepared for potential stranded travelers.
In Estevan, a 30+ cm snowstorm after April 11 has occurred only twice since 1902, with officials noting that the storm is likely to be “historic”.
Common snowfalls of 30-50 cm are possible, and in several places it is possible to reach 50-75 cm, while everything is said and done. However, it can be difficult to measure the exact amount of snowfall due to blowing and carrying snow.
The wide range and slow movement of this storm means that it will be a long snow event, with snow lasting up to 48 hours in some areas.
By Friday, the snowfall will weaken, but the winds will still remain strong with gusts of 50-70 + km / h – and we remind you that it is not necessary to snow to create conditions for a blizzard. The wind will begin to weaken on Friday night.
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On Saturday there will still be strong winds at times, and by Sunday the conditions will finally be much calmer.
“There seems to be a favorable temperature trend outside this system to help with flood fears, with daytime forecasts expected to remain below zero until at least the middle of next week,” said Kelly Sonnenburg, a meteorologist with The Weather Network.
Stay tuned with The Weather Network for the latest on prairie conditions.
With files from CBC News.
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