Watches and warning have been issued by Environment Canada for more than half of the province.

An Alberta clipper is set to bring snow and strong northwest winds to southern and central Manitoba overnight on Monday. 

“We have a system that’s developing in Alberta and it’s just going to rip across the prairies today and into Tuesday,” says Environment Canada meteorologist Shannon Moodie. 

Though some blowing snow and wind gusts up to 50 km/h are expected Monday, the brunt of the storm is expected later in the day. 

“Overnight is where things get a little interesting,” says Moodie who cautions that Tuesday’s commute is going to be “rather unpleasant.”

Upwards of 10 centimetres of snow are expected for the Red River Valley with wind gusts up to 80 km/h possible. Snow and blowing snow will reduce visibility, making for a hazardous commute Tuesday morning. 

“Do not be fooled, it’s going to get pretty nasty,” says Moodie.  

Complicating the commute could be freezing rain, though that is more likely expected to the west of the province.

“There is certainly a chance of some freezing rain with this system but it’s more so in through south western Saskatchewan,” explains Moodie.  

For those in the Interlake and through central Manitoba — including Hecla, Grand Rapids, Cross Lake, and Berens River — even more snow is expected. 

“The north side of the system looking at pretty heavy snowfalls,” says Moodie. “10 to 15 centimetres of snowfall accumulation for areas in through central Manitoba.” 

By midweek, sunny skies and cold temperatures are expected to return.