Weekend storm expected to bring significant snowfall to parts of southern Manitoba

Parts of southern Manitoba will be hit with heavy snow as a winter storm moves through the region this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, saying the heavy snowfall is expected to begin Saturday afternoon.

Inthe Red River Valley and the rest of the southeast, the snow may change to freezing rain and rain starting Saturday night. But areas west of the valley will likely see snow throughout the storm, with up to 40 centimetres possible.

Strong winds may lead to blowing snow Saturday night and Sunday, Environment Canada warns, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel. The storm is also likely to bring a few rumbles of thunder, the agency said.

The system is expected to move out of the region by Sunday night.

The agency said the storm's exact track is still uncertain, and that the forecast will become clearer as the weekend approaches.

Here's a list of the areas where the special weather statement is in effect:

• City of Winnipeg.
• Arborg, Hecla, Fisher River, Gypsumville, Ashern.
• Berens River, Little Grand Rapids, Bloodvein, Atikaki.
• Bissett, Victoria Beach, Nopiming Provincial Park, Pine Falls.
• Brandon, Neepawa, Carberry, Treherne.
• Dauphin, Russell, Roblin, Winnipegosis.
• Dugald, Beausejour, Grand Beach.
• Grand Rapids, Waterhen.
• Killarney, Pilot Mound, Manitou.
• Melita, Boissevain, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.
• Minnedosa, Riding Mountain National Park.
• Morden, Winkler, Altona, Morris.
• Poplar River.
• Portage la Prairie, Headingley, Brunkild, Carman.
• Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall, Woodlands.
• Sprague, Northwest Angle Provincial Forest.
• Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa, Gladstone.
• Steinbach, St. Adolphe, Emerson, Vita, Richer.
• Swan River, Duck Mountain, Porcupine Provincial Forest.
• Virden, Souris.
• Whiteshell, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa.