Spring storm to bring up to 20 cm of snow to parts of Manitoba

Katherine Dow has your Wednesday morning look at the weather.

Central Manitoba is in for a blast of wintry weather on Wednesday as a spring snowstorm heads to the area.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a yellow warning – snowfall for several Manitoba communities on Wednesday, saying a low pressure system is expected to bring heavy snow to the area. The storm will span from The Pas to Flin Flon and eastward toward the Ontario border.

According to the weather agency, the snow is expected to begin overnight on Tuesday in the west and continue through to Wednesday night in the east. Between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow is forecasted, though some communities may see reduced accumulation.

ECCC notes that some communities are also at risk of freezing rain.

Drivers are being warned that travel will likely be challenging due to deteriorating conditions and disruptions to transportation, services and utilities.

Late-season storm in southern Manitoba

Along with the snowfall warning, ECCC has issued a special weather statement for several southern Manitoba communities, including Winnipeg and Brandon.

The weather agency notes that a late-season storm is forecasted to impact the area beginning overnight Wednesday and into Thursday.

It adds that though Wednesday will bring “pleasant spring weather,” the weather will see a stark shift beginning overnight.

According to ECCC, the main concern is the freezing rain risk along and south of the Trans-Canada Highway corridor, through southwestern Manitoba and the Red River Valley. It notes uncertainty remains as to whether or not the freezing rain will be patchy or organized in nature.

Communities in western and central Manitoba are expected to see mostly snow on Wednesday.