Potent snowstorm blasts through Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada

A potent snowstorm blasted through the Canadian Prairies on October 6, 2016, dumping up to 50 cm (1.6 feet) of October snow on Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for parts of the states.

Early on October 6, 2016, 40 cm (1.3 feet) was already reported in parts of the states with 5 cm (2 inches) more expected in western and central Saskatchewan and 10+ cm (4 inches) in parts of northern Manitoba by the end of the day.

Environment Canada measured 29 cm (0.95 feet) of snow on the ground in Saskatoon in the morning of October 6 — more than triple the previous October 6 high of 8 cm (0.26 feet).

Drivers were advised to adjust travel plans and be ready for winter conditions.

Snow continued in northern Manitoba through the evening and into Friday, October 7.

The heaviest axis of snowfall was reported north of Thompson and between Lynn Lake and Flin Flon, with a couple reports of 50+ cm (1.6 feet) in this band.

As of early October 7, winter storm warnings in Manitoba are still in effect in for:

• Flin Flon Cranberry Portage and Grass River Prov. Park
• Snow Lake and Herb Lake Landing
• Nelson House
• South Indian Lake and Amisk Prov. Park
• Split Lake and York Landing
• Thompson Thicket Portage and Pikwitonei

Featured image: Saskatchewan on October 6, 2016. Credit: Victoria Jurgens (via Twitter)