Parts of southern Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan are bracing for a Colorado Low that may bring blizzard conditions by mid-week.

Manitoba’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Doyle Piwnuik says that officials are trying to determine the track of the incoming Colorado Low.

“When it comes to the amount of moisture that we’re going to get is concerning, but what it looks like in the future forecast into next week is that the temperature is supposed to be below zero from Wednesday until probably the following week.” Piwnuik said.

Piwnuik notes the lower temperatures is a good sign as that will cause a slow snow melt, allowing the water basins to handle the extra precipitation.

He adds residents should expect highways to be closed due to hazardous conditions.

Precision Weather predicts that there could be up to 50 cm of snow and gusty winds will bring near blizzard conditions to some areas. A Winter Storm Watch is currently in effect for some areas in Manitoba, including Minnedosa, Roblin, Russell, Winnipegosis and Riding Mountain National Park; areas in Saskatchewan under the Watch include Moosomin, Broadview, Whitewood, Kipling and Wawota.

Manitoba’s Head of Emergency Management Organizations Johanu Botha states that Manitoba Hydro is prepared for the possible wide spread power outages that could come with this storm.

“We’re well aware that should there be power outages, that we’ll have to prioritize the resources to ensure that municipalities can continue to function, so it’s a likelihood with a storm like this,” Botha said. “We’re ready should it occur.”