The first round of Old Man Winter’s return to Southern Manitoba has came as advertised Thursday according to CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner, and he stresses round two Friday is expected to be much more significant in all aspects.

Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for essentially all of Southern Manitoba, with a Rainfall Warning issued for the far Southeastern corner of the province in the Sprague region.

“Early indications are 10 to 20+ centimeters of snow has fallen so far across the Western Red River Valley and Pembina Valley regions,” said Sumner early Friday morning. “Those regions can expect to see significant snowfall throughout the day Friday, and it will be that heavy, wet snow we've seen so far.”

The most intense winter storm conditions are expected today and Friday night for the Red River Valley as the Colorado low draws closer and intensifies. According to Environment Canada's Winter Storm Warning, "the western half of the Red River Valley may be hit with an extraordinary amount of snow." Snowfall amounts for for all of Friday could exceed 50 cm, particularly toward the Manitoba escarpment. Areas closer to the Red River, including the City of Winnipeg, could get between 10 and 25 cm of wet snow.

“The snowfall totals will certainly be record breakers for many regions currently within the Winter Storm Warnings, but the snow is really only going to be a part of the story Friday,” explained Sumner. “The gusty northerly winds we saw Thursday will be exceeded substantially today and will strengthen further. Sustained winds of 60 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 80 km/h, and possibly even higher, are likely today.”

Sumner noted the combination of very strong winds and heavy snowfall will more than likely lead to Blizzard Warnings being issued at some point Friday. The criteria that would need to be met for those to be issued is sustained winds of 40 kilometers per hour or more, reducing visibility to 400 meters or less for four hours or more.

“As we already experienced Thursday, with relatively low snowfall totals and somewhat gusty winds, travel became quite difficult due to slushy conditions and reduced visibility,” said Sumner. “Now multiply that by a few factors, and you can quickly understand why travel will not be advised Friday.”

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