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Winnipeg continues to be under a blizzard warning from Environment Canada with high winds and cold temperatures expected Friday.
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In its warning updated early Friday, the national forecaster said blizzard conditions are expected to develop in the Red River Valley Friday morning as a cold front sweeps down from the north. In the wake of this front, very strong northerly winds gusting as high as 90 km/h will give very poor visibility in snow and blowing snow, particularly in the open countryside.
Visibility will not be quite as bad in built-up urban areas such as Winnipeg, however open areas and roadways (such as the Perimeter and Trans-Canada highway) will see very poor driving conditions later today.
Temperatures will fall from a mild start early Friday throughout the day. Wind chill values are expected to be around the -30 mark by late this afternoon.
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Blizzard conditions are also expected in the Interlake and east of the Manitoba Escarpment. Reduced visibility in blowing snow is expected in much of the remainder of southern Manitoba.
The blizzard should taper off later this afternoon or early this evening.
Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility so Environment Canada advises drivers to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck.
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Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours.
The City of Winnipeg reminds residents to take necessary precautions during periods of extremely cold temperatures.
The following are some winter safety tips to keep in mind:
- Older adults and very young children should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Check on older friends, relatives, and neighbours who live alone.
- Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles. If these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention. Severe hypothermia can be life threatening.
- Bring pets inside and limit the amount of time they spend outside.
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Residents should call 9-1-1 immediately if they see someone who needs help or is injured due to extreme cold. When calling 9-1-1, report the person’s location and condition. Whenever possible, remain with the individual until emergency crews arrive.
Poor winter driving conditions and poor visibility have led to several highway closures. The following are now closed:
Highway 5, from Saskatchewan Border to Ochre River,
Highway 5, from Highway 353 to Highway 357,
Highway 10, from N. Ent. Riding Mountain National Park to Ethelbert,
Highway 10, in Riding Mountain National Park,
Highway 16, from Highway 83 to Saskatchewan Border,
Highway 16, from Highway 1 to Minnedosa,
Highway 20, from Ochre River to Camperville,
Highway 41, from Highway 42 to Highway 16,
Highway 45, from Rossburn to Russell,
Highway 50, from Highway 5 to Highway 16,
Highway 68, from Ste. Rose du Lac to The Narrows,
Highway 83, from Russell to Highway 57,
Highway 276, from Highway 5 to Highway 481,
Highway 278, from Highway 68 to Amaranth,
Highway 482, from Highway 83 to Highway 5.
Highway 10, from Highway 287 to Highway 60,
Highway 60, from Highway 10 to Highway 6.
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