US, Canada: Winter storm to continue to bring adverse weather across parts of north central US and south central Canada through at least April 16 /update 2

Event

A major winter storm is forecast to continue to bring strong winds and heavy snowfall across portions of the Northern Rockies and Plains and Upper Midwest regions in the US and Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan in Canada through at least April 16. The storm system is already bringing heavy snowfall to parts of Montana and into North Dakota April 13 and will continue to track east-northeastward into southern Canada April 13-15. The snowfall will be accompanied by strong winds, causing blizzard conditions in some affected areas. Further to the east in southern Canada, the warm sector of the active weather front will bring heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms to parts of southern Ontario and southern Quebec April 13-14.

The storm system has already brought snowfall accumulation of around 91-122 cm (36-48 inches) to some parts of Montana as of early April 13 and further heavy accumulations are likely over the affected areas. The heavy snowfall combined with strong winds will cause treacherous travel conditions across parts of Montana, North Dakota and into southern Canada. Authorities have warned against travel in many areas and several major routes have been closed, including Interstate 94 between Billings in Montana and Jamestown in North Dakota, as well as Interstate 29 from Fargo in North Dakota to the Canadian border. All major highways have been closed in southern Manitoba from early April 13. Schools in Winnipeg have been closed April 13-14 due to the adverse weather. Further closures and suspension of services are likely in the coming days as the storm moves through the affected regions.

Government Advisories
As of early April 13, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for parts of eastern Montana, much of North Dakota, and northern South Dakota. Winter storm warnings have been issued for parts of central and northeastern Montana and northwestern Minnesota. Winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of northern and northeastern Wyoming, northern, central, and southwestern Montana, southeastern North Dakota, and far western South Dakota.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of widespread precipitation across the northern plains and into the Upper Midwest April 13-16. Blizzard conditions are expected across parts of western Montana and North Dakota April 13, with snowfall accumulations of more than 20 cm (8 inches) likely across parts of north central and northwestern North Dakota. The heavy snowfall will shift into northern Minnesota Arpil 14, before beginning to subside April 15-16.

Environment Canada has issued blizzard warnings for parts of southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan and winter storm and snowfall warnings for other parts of southern Manitoba and western Ontario. Winter storm watches have been issued for parts of western and central Ontario. Rainfall and freezing rain warnings, as well as special weather statements for rainfall and freezing rain, have been issued for parts of southern Ontario and southern Quebec.

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.

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