All of southern Manitoba is under a special weather statement as heavy snow, strong winds, and blowing snow is expected to impact the region this week.

Environment Canada sent out the statement early Sunday morning, saying the weather system is expected to reach southern Manitoba on Monday evening.

The national forecaster says the clipper will move across the Prairies Monday night bringing a swath of heavy snow from eastern Saskatchewan southeastward to Lake of the Woods.

From Environment Canada

The axis of heaviest snow will include the Parkland region of Manitoba, much of the Red River Valley including Winnipeg, and the Whiteshell. Storm-total snowfall accumulations through these areas of 10 to 20 cm are possible.

As the low moves to the southeast on Tuesday, strong northwesterly winds will develop over the region. Winds of 40 to 50 km/h are likely, with the strongest winds being in the Red River Valley with gusts of up to 70 km/h on Tuesday afternoon into the overnight period.

These strong winds, combined with freshly fallen snow, will produce a widespread area of blowing snow.

The most extensive blowing snow is likely to occur in the Red River Valley on Tuesday night and is likely to result in a deterioration of travel conditions.

Conditions will improve Wednesday morning as the winds taper off. Behind this system, another surge of arctic air will move into the Prairies. Overnight lows will drop to near minus 30 midweek, then milder temperatures will return to the region for the end of the week,

Current weather statements

Areas in grey are under the special weather statement.