Environment Canada is offering safety tips for extreme winter weather conditions and urging people to stay home if possible on Tuesday, March 30. 

On Monday in Manitoba the weather will hit all four seasons as it'll start off with seasonally high temperatures and then seasonally low temperatures overnight, bringing with it freezing rain, blowing snow, and ice.

Natalie Hasell is a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment Canada. 

"Ideally people will avoid driving and delay or cancel their plans," says Hasell of the impending winter storm headed to the bottom half of Manitoba. overnight on Monday.  

A strong low-pressure system currently intensifying over Saskatchewan will track eastwards across the central Prairies giving strong winds, heavy snow, blowing snow, and patchy freezing rain beginning early today and lasting into Tuesday, March 30. 

"If you absolutely have to travel, be prepared for poor road conditions, visibility being reduced, icy conditions, and have an emergency kit."

The high winds gusting up to 80 km/h can produce blowing snow which in turn can create whiteout conditions. 

"If you get stuck on the highway, assuming your car is still in one piece, it will offer you the best shelter you have," she says.

Hasell reminds drivers that in these winter storm conditions, if you break down and pulled over to the side of the road, a shelter in the distance can seem close but staying in the vehicle can often be the best option.

"Have a charged cell phone along and make sure you tell people where you're going and how long it'll take to get there. If you don't show up or don't call in when you were supposed to arrive, they know and can inquire how you're doing and arrange to get you help." 

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