Fresh snow and wind speeds reaching 80 km/h will be making some very dangerous conditions throughout parts of southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for several areas, replacing the snowfall warning for those regions. "Gusty northerly winds and freshly fallen snow will reduce visibilities in the Red River Valley this afternoon and evening," the storm warning says.

"The combination of 10 to 15 cm of fresh snow along with winds gusting up to 80 km/h at times will produce blowing snow that will severely hamper visibilities on highways." Changing travel plans for Tuesday afternoon and evening will likely be a good idea.

It's not just in open areas outside the Perimeter that will be affected, though. "Even within the city of Winnipeg, visibilities will likely be reduced by blowing snow, especially downwind of open areas."

Environment Canada issued winter storm warnings for the following areas just before 5 a.m. on Tuesday:

   City of Winnipeg, Man.
   Selkirk - Gimli - Stonewall - Woodlands, Man. 
   Portage la Prairie - Headingley - Brunkild - Carman, Man.
   Dugald - Beausejour - Grand Beach, Man.
   Morden - Winkler - Altona - Morris, Man.
   Steinbach - St. Adolphe - Emerson - Vita - Richer, Man.

The wind should settle somewhat by late evening, and visibility should improve by Wednesday morning, the weather forecaster says.

While blizzard conditions are not currently expected for the Red River Valley "current warnings may be upgraded if conditions deteriorate this afternoon." 

Bllizzard warnings have been issued for Lake Winnipeg's south basin as well as Lake Manitoba. Blizzard conditions are expected to impact the lakes this afternoon, with wind speeds reaching 90 km/h. Environment Canada says visibility will likely be near-zero through the afternoon and evening.

If that weren't enough, Environment Canada gives a reminder that "bitterly cold temperatures are still expected to return following this storm system. An arctic ridge of high pressure will clear skies and drop temperatures into the minus twenties starting tonight. Wind chill values will approach the minus forty mark once again before temperatures moderate somewhat near the end of the week."

Meteorologists say to expect surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.

Current watches and warnings