‘Short but intense’ band of snow expected in Winnipeg: ECCC

An intense band of snow is expected to hit the Winnipeg rush hour Thursday, while the threat of a stronger wintry blast still looms in other parts of the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warned a low pressure system pushing in from Alberta could bring anywhere from 10 to 20 centimetres of snow to parts of the province, though the eastern slopes of the Riding and Duck mountains, as well as the Swan Hills, could see upwards of 20 centimetres.

A special weather statement was then issued for Winnipeg, noting heavy snowfall is no longer expected along the Trans-Canada Highway corridor Thursday night.

The heaviest snow is expected to fall north of the city.

However, ECCC said a short but intense band will pass through the Winnipeg region during rush hour Thursday, giving a quick two to four centimetres of snowfall.

“Additional light snow is expected to fall on Friday, but accumulations should not exceed warning thresholds by Friday evening,” the statement said.

Portage la Prairie, Steinbach and the RM of Headingley are also expected to get hit with this intense band of snow.

The snowfall warnings remain for a swath of the province in other southern regions, including Roblin, Gimli, Dauphin, and Shoal Lake.

ECCC warned heavy, rapidly accumulating snowfall will begin Thursday night and continue into Friday morning, before tapering off overnight.

Officials warn the snow could make travel difficult, and folks should prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating road conditions.