Whiteout conditions, 100 km/h wind gusts possible across the Prairies
Powerful winds and intense snow squalls will impact parts of the Prairies throughout Monday due to a potent system tracking through the region. The heaviest snowfall will occur along Alberta's mountains and foothills and parts of northern and western Saskatchewan, as well as the northern border between Manitoba and Ontario. More impactful than the snow will be the system's strong winds that will gust 80-100 km/h for most of Monday across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Blowing snow is expected to create challenging travel conditions for some. Details and timing, below.
WILDFIRES IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA
The Village of Carmangay, Alberta was evacuated on Sunday afternoon due to two wildfires.
The majority of the Prairie region has received less than half of its average precipitation over the past three months. “High winds dried up whatever moisture there was at the surface and also caused the fires to rapidly spread towards the northeast, which created a significant threat to life and property,” explains The Weather Network meteorologist Tyler Hamilton. More details on the wildfires in southern Alberta can be found here.
MONDAY: VERY STRONG WINDS MAKE FOR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS
Alberta will experience considerable snowfall on Monday morning with daytime highs plummeting below 0°C. The snow will be coming to an end in Edmonton by the morning, lasting a little longer in Calgary, and continuing through much of the day in Saskatchewan as it shifts into northern Manitoba.
The heaviest amounts will occur in Alberta’s mountains and foothills, parts of western Saskatchewan near Saskatoon, and in northern Manitoba. Between 30 to 40 cm could fall in northern Manitoba through Monday, while Saskatoon itself and Alberta’s foothills could see 15-20 cm.
Blowing snow is a concern for many regions due to the high winds that could gust between 80-100 km/h before diminishing in the evening. Whiteout and blizzard conditions are possible even after the snow has stopped falling and Environment Canada warns that motorists will need to proceed with caution on the roads.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds,” says Environment Canada.
Conditions will gradually improve throughout Tuesday in Alberta and Saskatchewan as the low pressure system tracks into Manitoba.
Check back as we continue to monitor this system.
Thumbnail image submitted by Kathleen Héon