Blowing snow, black ice risk to threaten eastern Prairies travel

A system swinging across the eastern Prairies will wind down through the night, but its hazards could make for dangerous driving into Friday

We’re looking at a continued risk for travel hazards across the eastern Prairies as a low-pressure system exits the region to the east.

Even though the bulk of the snow is winding down into Thursday night, we’ll see some light snow linger into Friday for Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

Gusty northwesterly winds and falling temperatures will carry a risk for blowing snow and black ice, each of which can challenge drivers with tough conditions at times.

PHOTOS: Record-setting snowstorm drops 100+ cm of snow on Nova Scotia

Temperatures fall into Friday

The system that brought a swath of snow to the eastern half of the Prairies will continue chugging east as we round out the workweek. This batch of precipitation fed on some of the same energy that fuelled a destructive atmospheric river back in California earlier this week.

Prairies precip Friday AM

A touch of light snow will linger over parts of southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario into the day Friday, with additional accumulations of less than 5 cm expected for most areas.

Temperatures that hovered around freezing on Wednesday and Thursday will start dipping below the zero-degree mark into the overnight hours as gusty northwest winds funnel in behind our departing system.

Content continues below

Blustery conditions will reduce visibility in areas experiencing snowfall and across areas that have fresh snow on the ground. Prepare for tough visibility at times into Friday.

Prairies snowfall

MUST SEE: What’s the recipe for a severe drought in Western Canada?

Falling temperatures in the wake of the storm will also increase the risk for ice on roads and sidewalks heading into Friday, especially in northwestern Ontario where rain fell for much of the storm.

While the wintry weather could make for difficult travel conditions and slower commute times, it will surely be welcomed across areas facing a moderate drought situation, and in need of the precipitation.

Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across the region.

WATCH: Low Alberta snowpack fuels drought fears for 2024