Increasing threat of significant snowfall over Red River basin Tuesday into Wednesday

Models are indicating the potential for significant snowfall across the Red River basin this week as a strong storm system pushes in off the Pacific and tracks across the US Plains. This system will be bringing in considerable moisture from the south while colder air feeds in from the north. The result will be a widespread area of precipitation developing over the northern Rockies and northern Plains, spreading into southwest MB by Tuesday morning. Precipitation is expected to be mainly snow although it could initially be mixed at first with ice pellets or freezing rain. Snow will spread over the Red River valley Tuesday becoming heavy at times especially to the south and southwest of Winnipeg. Early indications are that snowfall amounts of 15-25 cm are possible across portions of southwest MB and southern RRV with locally heavier amounts across North Dakota where winter storm watches are currently in effect. At this point, Winnipeg appears to be on the northern edge of this system with perhaps 5-10 cm Tuesday into Tuesday night.. but we'll be watching this system closely to see if there's any northward trend noted with the precipitation shield. Regardless, it looks like there could be a significant amount of precipitation falling into the Red River basin over the next few days. Stay tuned on this developing storm system.