Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada has issued a winter storm warning for southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg.

The weather agency is forecasting significant and blowing snow for southern parts of the province, lasting through mid-week.

Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Natalie Hasell said flurries in Winnipeg are forecasted to start falling Monday afternoon. She said heavy snow should begin after midnight.

"Welcome to winter for real," Hasell said. "This week is winter."

Hasell advises people stay off highways. Roads are predicted to become particularly treacherous by Tuesday morning rush hour.

"Stay in your vehicle if you get stranded," she said.

"Don't think you can make it to that little dot in the distance, that destination that you can see. Don't do it.”

Hasell recommends Manitobans check their vehicles and make sure their emergency kit is up to date. A check-list can be found here.

ECCC said about 15 to 30 centimetres of the white stuff is expected to fall, but higher amounts are possible, especially over the southwest.

The weather agency said northerly winds gusting from 50 to 60 kilometres per hour will develop Monday night or Tuesday over most areas.

Winter storm warning

Hasell said stormy conditions could last up to two days in Winnipeg.

Visibility will be significantly reduced at times in snow and blowing snow for most of Tuesday and into Wednesday as well, Environment Canada said.

Following the snow, temperatures are forecasted to dip.

Bitterly cold arctic air sweeps in behind this system, with lows below -20 degrees Celsius expected by the end of the week, accompanied by wind chill values in the -30 to -35 degree Celsius range.

Curtis Tire on Arlington Street has put on more 40 sets of winter tires since Saturday. Owner Glen Curtis said the volume of work is overwhelming and hard on his workers, but they'll get it done.

Desmond Burke was one motorist having his winter tires rotated at the shop. He said he's pleased to get the work done just in time for winter to arrive.

Winnipeg gearing up for storm

Ken Allen with the City of Winnipeg Public Works Department said 40 sanding trucks will be out Monday night ahead of heavy snow.

Depending on how much snow falls over the next few days, Allen said up to 450 pieces of equipment could be used from the city's fleet of snow blowers, sanding trucks and plows.

The city is urging motorists to drive to the road conditions during the storm, and use extreme caution when driving near any snow clearing equipment or sanding trucks.

Larry Halayko, executive director of construction and maintenance with Manitoba Infrastructure said 300 pieces of snow removal equipment are in use or on standby on Monday.

“Crews have been out in the southwest of the province and will continue into the evening. Sanding is happening in areas across southern Manitoba as required,” he said.

Tomorrow crews have an early start and are heading out at 4 and 5 a.m. for the morning commute.

Halayko said motorists should check the road information site in the morning – Manitoba 511.ca before heading out.