Snowfall, storm warnings in effect for much of southern half of Manitoba

Heavy snow blanketed much of the southern half of Manitoba as Environment Canada issued a mix of snowfall and winter storm warnings for Tuesday morning.

About 10 to 15 centimetres of snow was expected to fall in western and central Manitoba, with the exception of the province's southwestern corner. Similar snowfall amounts are expected in the Interlake and Manitoba's south and southeast, and as far north as The Pas and the surrounding areas. 

Communities in the Parkland Region could see more like 20 centimetres, Environment Canada said.

The closures led several school divisions to close to in-class learning.

The following areas were placed under a winter storm warning due to forecast wind gusts as fast as 80 kilometres per hour, blowing snow and reduced visibility in the afternoon:

By 6 a.m., at least 10 centimetres had already fallen at Winnipeg's Richardson International Airport, said Eric Dykes, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

There were early reports of snow-covered highways west of Winnipeg, Dykes said.

The following areas are included in the snowfall warnings:

The heaviest of the snowfall is expected to taper off in the morning, but as that happens some areas could get hit with gale force winds, he said.

"Travel is going to be treacherous," said Dykes. "If you can stay at home, please do."

An extreme cold warning was also issued for Tadoule Lake and Brochet in the north. 

Temperatures around –35 C, combined with winds up to 20 km/h, were expected to bring wind chill values near the –45 mark.