Surprise snowstorm blasts Manitoba

Manitobans woke up to an early winter Thursday as Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for the southeast region of the province, as well as northwestern Ontario.

Some parts of Manitoba were expected to see up to 20 centimetres of snow today as the storm moves in from Minnesota, propelled by strong winds, reaching up to 70 kilometres an hour.

Some areas will get rain, which will likely turn to snow.

Environment Canada warned residents against travelling as the winter weather conditions continue.

Although the storm is expected to die down by Thursday night, flurries could continue into Friday.

With files from The Canadian Press

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  Snow-covered corn remains unharvested and farm equipment sits idle beside Highway 12 near Steinbach, Man. as an early snowstorm unexpectedly hit the province, Thursday, Oct.4, 2012. (John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Drivers make their way through near whiteout conditions on Highway 12, just north of Steinbach and 70 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg, as an early snowstorm unexpectedly hit the province, Thursday, Oct.4, 2012. (John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS)