The province is keeping a close eye on a winter storm in the central-northern United States and what that added precipation could mean for water levels on the Red River. Depending on the amount of moisture that comes up from the U.S., forecasters says flood waters in Manitoba could reach 2011 levels or higher.

In addition, average daily highs of around zero degrees Celsius have pushed the peak forecast for the Red at Emerson to between April 21-24

Crews are deployed in a number of communities in the Red River Valley preparing for potential ring dike closures. Partial closures are currently underway at Emerson and St. Jean Baptiste. The province says those communities will remain accessible by road. More partial closures ring dike closures are expected at Morris, Letellier, Ste. Agathe and St. Adolphe.

Traffic may also be reduced to two lanes for a section of Highway 75, and officials expect the highway to be closed to traffic north of Morris in the latter part of next week.

A flood warning continues for the Red River from Emerson to the Red River Floodway Channel inlet.

A flood watch continues for Roseau River.

Winter storm conditions in Fargo, ND as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Submitted.