Prairies: System threatens snow, freezing drizzle this weekend
Special weather statements have been issued across Saskatchewan and Manitoba as a potent system threatens snow and freezing drizzle.
Southwestern regions of Alberta will continue to see snowfall into Friday morning as the low pressure system pushes east across the Prairies. Eyes are on the next system that is threatening another round of snow for parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba where over 10 cm is possible for some in addition to freezing drizzle and icy conditions. Details and timing, below.
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WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Tricky travel for southern Saskatchewan through Friday as the snow continues to extend eastward
Another major storm across the central U.S. will clip the southern Prairies into the weekend with threat for extensive blowing snow
Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area
WATCH BELOW: TIMING OF SNOW ON FRIDAY
As the Pacific low tracks through the U.S. Rockies, a trough accompanying the system will bring snow into Manitoba on Friday, though accumulations will remain relatively light. Central and southern Saskatchewan can expect a general 2-5+ cm, with some areas creeping towards 10 cm by Friday.
"Sprawling high pressure will likely spare much of the Prairies from the next significant snowstorm as a new low will track along the High Plains of the U.S. into the Upper Midwest on Friday night," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg. "Widespread Arctic high pressure across much of Canada will force the storm to remain stateside."
Although the snowfall amounts aren’t expected to be substantial, easterly winds gusting 30-50 km/h will likely produce blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility on the roads into Saturday.
Special weather statements from Environment Canada have been issued across southeastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba stating that the wintry mix of precipitation will last into Sunday and will feature periods of snow and freezing drizzle.
There is the potential for prolonged periods of freezing drizzle to cause icy conditions on sidewalks and roadway, which could continue into late Saturday.
Forecasters are still monitoring the region right along the international border however, as a more northerly track could bring some additional snow accumulations into this weekend. Snow totals for parts of southeastern Manitoba for example, could reach between 10-15 cm near the U.S. border.
Continue to check back for updates as we monitor this next storm track.
