An Alberta Clipper has made its way to southern Manitoba. As a result, Highway 75 is closed from Winnipeg to the U.S. border.
Environment Canada says blizzard conditions are developing in the Red River Valley 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 country.
Environment Canada says visibility will not be quite as bad in built-up urban areas such as Winnipeg, however, open areas and roadways will see very poor driving conditions later today.
Temperatures will fall from a mild start early this morning throughout the day. Wind chill values are expected to be around the -30 mark by late this afternoon.
Environment Canada says the blizzard should taper off later this afternoon or early this evening.
Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility.
Environment Canada warns the public 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.
Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
The storm is impacting all of Southern Manitoba and as a result, several school divisions have cancelled classes today, including Red River Valley, Hanover School Division, and Seine River School Division.
For updated road reports visit the Space Age Kal Tire Road Reports and Cancellations page on SteinbachOnline.
With files from Adi Loewen