‘Near-zero visibility’: Blizzard, gusty winds hit Winnipeg and southern Manitoba

Winnipeggers are being urged to brace for severe winter conditions on Wednesday, caused by a strong Alberta Clipper weather system.

A blizzard with gusty winds and blowing snow are expected to create extremely low visibility for those outside.

A total of 10-20 cm of snow is forecasted to fall, with north to northeasterly winds ranging from 70 to 90 km/h.

“Travel will be dangerous and likely impossible due to near-zero visibility,” Environment Canada warned in an orange-coded blizzard alert. “There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic.”

According to Environment Canada, a large portion of southern Manitoba, including the Yellowhead and Trans-Canada highway corridor, will be impacted.

Some parts of the southern and western Manitoba could also see freezing rain.

The blizzard conditions are on track to begin Wednesday afternoon into the evening. They should end throughout the day on Thursday.

An Alberta Clipper is a fast-moving, low-pressure system.

Winnipeg, province preparing for snow removal

The City of Winnipeg says its crews are on standby for the falling snow.

“We are monitoring road conditions and will continue applying sand and/or salt to improve roadway traction as required,” the city said. “We will make further snow clearing decisions based on how much snow falls in the coming hours.”

Motorists are urged to use caution when near heavy equipment.

The City of Winnipeg is reminding drivers that the annual winter route parking ban is in effect.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, which is tasked with clearing the province’s highways, says its crews are also at the ready.

The province says it’s monitoring highway conditions and is ready to deploy its fleet of 340 vehicles for snow clearing, de-icing and grading.

“Staff based out of 46 maintenance yards around the province are prepared to maintain the more than 19,000-kilometre provincial highway system and make every effort to allow for safe and timely travel throughout the province during the winter season,” the Manitoba government wrote in a news release.

Possible home care delays

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is warning that home care services and other community health services could be affected Wednesday and Thursday due to the blizzard.

The health authority says clients should expect service delays or cancellations. Affected clients can expect to be contacted by phone.

“Every effort will be made to maintain existing schedules. However, some weather-related delays or cancellations may be inevitable,” the WRHA wrote in a news release.

We anticipate that service will resume as per usual once the weather-system has cleared, and we apologize in advance for any disruption this may cause our clients.”