Winter storm heading to Winnipeg, Red River Valley

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The mild weather in southern Manitoba will soon come to an end as a winter storm heads to the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a winter storm watch for several communities, including Winnipeg, saying an Alberta Clipper is expected to hit the Red River Valley beginning on Friday morning.

The weather agency notes that the clipper will move through central Manitoba on Thursday night, bringing heavy snow to more northern parts of the province. For the Red River Valley, the backend of the clipper will bring a weather pattern change on Friday.

According to ECCC, the Alberta Clipper will cause temperatures to significantly decrease and cause winds as strong as 90 km/h.

“There will be some falling snow associated with this frontal passage, and the strong winds may allow for some surface snow to blow; however because of the recent warm temperatures, the nature of the existing snowpack lowers confidence in how bad the visibility reductions will be,” ECCC said in the winter storm watch.

The weather agency notes that blizzard conditions are possible.

Manitobans are being warned that travel is expected to be dangerous due to reduced visibility and slippery highways, roads and walkways.

If you have to travel during the storm, you should keep others informed of your schedule and carry an emergency kit and cellphone.