Premier Brian Pallister has declared a state of an emergency after receiving the request from Manitoba Hydro earlier Saturday. A major early season winter storm has dropped 40 to 60cms of snow across Southern Manitoba, and has severely impacted the power utilities infrastructure and distrbution network. As of 6 p.m. Saturday evening, over 47,000 customers were still without power across the province, with over 16,000 of those in Winnipeg, the Portage la Prairie area and Gimil.

By declaring a state of emergency, the Crown Corporation gains additional ability to access a variety of resources, supplies and materials in order to restore power as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, the Manitoba government continues to monitor the impacts of the Colorado Low which continues to impact roads and the supply of electricity.

In a news release issued late Saturday afternoon it was noted the equivalent of 50 to 60 millimetres of precipitation fell in the southern and southeastern portions of the province. Temperatures are forecast to fluctuate between 0 C and 4 C for the next few days, which could start a gradual melt.

Rivers, lakes and streams in south and southwest Manitoba continue to rise, and are being monitored by officials from municipalities and the province.

Waterways in the south and southeast section of the province, including the area of the Roseau River, Vita, Gardenton and Joubert Creek, are seeing the rain-snow mix influence river flows. Levels have started to rise in these areas and could bring localized overland flooding of low-lying areas.

The Red River Floodway continues to operate under Rule 4 to lower levels within the city of Winnipeg.

Several states of local emergency have been declared by municipalities.

Motorists are asked to restrict non-essential travel to help snow clearing emergency response efforts. If travel is necessary, slow down and drive according to road conditions. They are also asked to slow down for emergency equipment working on or near highways.