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Southern Manitoba is in the grip of a powerful blizzard, bringing extremely hazardous conditions to highways and communities. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued blizzard warnings for the Red River Valley, including Winnipeg and the Interlake region, as strong winds and blowing snow create near-zero visibility in many areas.
Highway Closures and Dangerous Driving Conditions
The blizzard has forced the closure of several major highways, including:
- Highway 1: Closed between Winnipeg and Brandon, and from Winnipeg to Hadashville.
- Additional Routes: Multiple provincial highways are impassable due to blowing snow and icy conditions.
Manitoba RCMP is urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel, describing the highways as “extremely hazardous.” Strong northerly winds gusting up to 90 km/h are causing whiteout conditions, particularly in open areas and rural roads.
“The Highway Advisories map was mostly red Friday morning, reflecting the severe conditions,” the provincial government said.
Blizzard Warning Details
As the Alberta clipper sweeps through the region, Winnipeg itself is seeing milder conditions than rural areas. However, extreme wind chills reaching -30°C are expected to impact the city later in the day.
Safety and Preparedness Tips
Environment and Climate Change Canada warns residents to prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating conditions. The national forecaster emphasized the importance of staying sheltered:
- Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
- If stranded, remain in your vehicle, as it provides protection from the cold.
- Protect yourself from wind, cold, and disorientation.
“A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded vehicle,” the agency advised.
Impact on Winnipeg and Surrounding Areas
While Winnipeg has largely been spared the worst of the blizzard, residents are urged to exercise caution due to icy roads and reduced visibility on the Perimeter Highway and Trans-Canada routes. Temperatures are expected to plummet throughout the day, with wind chill values making conditions feel significantly colder.
The storm has disrupted daily life across southern Manitoba, reinforcing the importance of heeding weather advisories. Whether traveling or staying indoors, safety remains the top priority as the blizzard continues to impact the region.
Source: Swifteradio.com
