Weekend Storm to Slam the Prairies with Another Winter Fury: Be Prepared!

This weekend, the Prairies brace for yet another intense winter storm as multiple weather systems converge to unleash significant snowfall and freezing temperatures across the region. After a week dominated by harsh snowstorms, residents are warned to prepare for challenging conditions yet again.

What to Expect:

Snowfall is forecasted to begin on Friday afternoon, intensifying through the night and into Saturday morning. Although there remains some uncertainty regarding exact totals, experts predict snowfall rates could spike to between 1-3 cm per hour in certain areas, especially in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Accumulations in some regions could reach 10-20 cm, with central Saskatchewan potentially seeing amounts exceed 25 cm.

Major urban centers, including Calgary and Winnipeg, are also under threat of significant snowfall, making weekend travel risky. Visibility is expected to be a major concern, with gusty winds of 30-40 km/h causing blowing snow and creating whiteout conditions.

Prepare for the Impacts:

Local authorities are alerting residents to prepare for road closures and difficult travel conditions. Power outages may also be a concern as heavy, wet snow accumulates on power lines. Residents are advised to keep devices charged and have a storm plan in place to ensure safety.

Given the potential for a severe weather event, all drivers are reminded to adjust their expectations for winter driving. With road conditions likely to shift dramatically, it’s essential to stay informed through weather updates and advisories.

Looking Ahead:

Weather patterns indicate this could be the beginning of a prolonged winter period, with forecasts suggesting that winter's grip on the Prairies will continue into the following weeks. As we look forward to the winter of 2024-25, meteorologists are wondering if this year could redefine what we expect from winter weather.

In summary, gather your essentials, keep an eye on weather alerts, and drive safely this weekend as the Prairies get ready to face another remorseless blast of winter weather!