Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan are set to be belted by the first major snowstorm of the winter this week.
Heavy snowfall is in the forecast for Flin Flon and all surrounding communities in both provinces from Monday evening to Wednesday, with over a foot of snow expected in some places. Weather warnings are in effect for both areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan around Flin Flon - as of 4 p.m. Monday, the Saskatchewan side is under a winter storm warning, while the Manitoba side is under a snowfall warning.
First, a special weather statement was put in effect for the Flin Flon and Snow Lake area around 10 a.m. Monday, estimating that a wave of heavy snow would hit the area Tuesday and Tuesday night. The statement was issued by Environment Canada. Between 10 and 25 centimetres of snow was expected, particularly in a horizontal line stretching across the province from The Pas to Island Lake. A stream of slightly higher temperatures south of the storm would mean freezing rain and slippery conditions.
That weather statement was changed Monday afternoon and replaced by a snowfall warning, coming into effect at about 3 p.m. The new warning stated that the low-pressure system would still hit the area and would drop between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow by end of day Tuesday and could total 25 centimetres of snow by Wednesday night.
“This system and its effects will exit our region on Wednesday evening,” reads the snowfall warning.
“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.”
The area of Saskatchewan covering Creighton, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay and the entire Hanson Lake Road is also under a winter storm warning as of Monday afternoon, with over a foot of snow possible from Monday to Wednesday morning.
“Hazardous winter conditions are expected,” reads the warning covering the area.
Snowfall in the area started Monday afternoon and continued as the same low-pressure system bringing snow to Manitoba carried through to the east. Adding to the snow is a forecast calling for heavy northeasterly winds Tuesday, which will blow snow and greatly reduce visibility for anyone driving. Environment Canada has asked drivers to “[consider] postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”
