Winter storm warning for northern Manitoba this weekend

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for northern Manitoba, including Lynn Lake, Pukatawagan, Brochet, Leaf Rapids, Tadoule Lake and South Indian Lake, with 20 to 40 centimetres of snow expected from Friday night into Sunday.

The agency said precipitation and strong northerly winds will arrive overnight Friday into Saturday morning, starting as rain or freezing rain before changing to snow through the day Saturday. Rain totals of 20 to 40 millimetres are possible, and wind gusts could exceed 90 km/h near the Nunavut border. Snow and wind are forecast to taper off Sunday afternoon and evening, according to the Environment Canada warning issued Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.

Environment Canada said travel will likely be hazardous, visibility could drop to near zero in blowing snow, and property or tree damage is possible.

A winter storm watch is also in effect for Churchill and for Arviat, Nunavut. The agency said that area could see 10 to 25 centimetres of snow, 20 to 30 millimetres of rain, and gusts possibly above 110 km/h from Saturday through Sunday afternoon. Road closures and local utility outages are possible, it said, and people should consider rescheduling travel and outdoor plans.

Residents can report severe weather to Environment Canada at [email protected], by phone at 1-800-239-0484, or on social media with the hashtag #MBStorm.

The storm follows a wide band of fall weather across the Prairies. Read Up to 40 cm of snow for northern Sask., wind warnings south, Calgary snow and wind: about 2 cm, gusts to 80 km/h and our Weekend Ready guide to Prairie snow, tire rules and Halloween.

This story will be updated as the warning changes. Last checked 9:20 a.m. MT, Oct. 23, 2026.

If you find reporting like this useful, consider supporting Canada News Media, an independent Canadian newsroom with no corporate parent.

Source: Environment Canada public alerts.