The first major winter storm of the season has placed a bullseye on Southern Manitoba. Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of Southern Manitoba.

A low pressure system moving eastward along the international border in Saskatchewan will rapidly intensify as it tracks into Manitoba Monday morning. Snow, heavy at times, will develop and continue through Wednesday. Total amounts of 15 to 30 cm is expected over the warned area, with the highest amounts most likely over Southwestern Manitoba.

Meanwhile, northerly winds gusting to 50 or 60 km/h will develop Monday night or Tuesday over most areas. Visibility will be significantly reduced at times in snow and blowing snow for most of Tuesday and into Wednesday. While some uncertainty remains in the exact timing of the heaviest snow and strongest winds, there is potential for sustained blizzard conditions over parts of the warned area.

Environment Canada says the snow and wind will gradually ease Wednesday night, but that will be followed by bitterly cold Arctic air that will move in behind this winter storm system.  Overnight lows below -20 degrees Celsius are expected by the end of the week, and will be accompanied by windchill values in the -30 to -35 range.