US, Canada: Winter storm to bring adverse weather across parts of western and north-central US and south-central Canada through at least early April 25

Event

A winter storm is forecast to continue to bring strong winds and heavy snowfall across parts of Northern Rockies and Plains, Upper Midwest, Southwest, West, and Northwest regions in the US and parts of southern Manitoba, western Ontario, and far southeastern Saskatchewan provinces in Canada through at least early April 25. The storm system is tracking through the West and is forecast to cross the Rockies April 22 before strengthening over the Plains. The storm will likely produce heavy wet snow, gusty winds, and freezing rain from the Rockies into portions of the northern Plains April 22-24. Blizzard conditions are forecast across portions of the northern Plains. Hazardous travel conditions as well as power outages and tree damage are likely.

Heavy snow is forest across the West Coast through the Northern Rockies through April 23. Forecast models indicate moderate probabilities for more than 30 cm (12 inches) of additional snow over the Sierra Nevada late April 22. Snow levels are forecast to drop from around 1,830 meters to 1,524 meters (6000 feet to 5000 feet) resulting in difficult travel conditions across the Sierra passes. Moderate to high probabilities for more than 15 cm (6 inches) of snow is forecast over the Absarokas, Tetons, Big Horns, and northern Colorado ranges April 23, especially at elevations over 2,133 meters (7,000 feet).

The heavy snow is forecast to shift over the Northern High Plains into Northern Plains late April 22-24. High probabilities for more than 20 cm (8 inches) of snow are forecast from northeast Wyoming across eastern Montana and into western North Dakota as well as the Black Hills in South Dakota late April 22-23. Icing is possible over far northeastern Montana and northern North Dakota over the same period. Moderate probabilities for more than 10 cm (4 inches) of snow are forecast over central North Dakota April 24 through early April 25.

Government Advisories
As of early April 22, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for parts of eastern Montana, western North Dakota, northwestern South Dakota, and northeastern Wyoming. Winter storm warnings have been issued for parts of southern Montana and northwestern California. Hydrologic outlooks due to potential flooding are in place across eastern North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and northwestern Wisconsin. Winter weather advisories have been issued for the rest of the affected area.

Environment Canada has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) freezing rain warnings over parts of far southern Manitoba and far southeastern Saskatchewan provinces. Winter storm watches are in place over the rest of southern Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan provinces. Special weather statements for wintery weather and freezing rain, have been issued for parts of far southeastern Manitoba and northern and western Ontario provinces.

In addition to the precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across much of the affected areas over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region, including but not limited to Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. If routing shipments by truck through the affected area, plan accordingly for delivery delays. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

US National Weather Service
US Road Conditions
Weather Prediction Center
Environment Canada