Manitoba Blizzard Brings Snow Storm, Travel Chaos May Bring Air Disruption, Road Closures, and Extreme Cold Warnings: New Update in Canada

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Manitoba, Canada is grappling with a powerful snow storm that has plunged the region into chaos, with blizzard conditions reducing visibility to near zero and creating treacherous travel conditions. The province issued an emergency alert, urging motorists to stay off highways as hazardous conditions led to numerous collisions and road closures, particularly along the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg and Brandon.

Blizzard Chaos Brings Travel Disruption Across Manitoba

Authorities have described the snow storm as one of the most intense of the season, with blizzard warnings issued across southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, the Red River Valley, and the Interlake region. Environment Canada reported strong northerly winds with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, causing blowing snow and whiteout conditions in open rural areas.

Chris Parks, whose wife was involved in a pile-up on Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway, described the scene as a “total whiteout,” with visibility reduced to almost nothing. Emergency services responded to the crash, which involved at least 12 vehicles. Parks’ wife was rescued by paramedics after her truck was crushed between two lorries.

By mid-morning, Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway was entirely closed due to the hazardous conditions, alongside several major routes throughout the province. Officials stressed that emergency vehicles must be given priority and reminded residents of the illegality of using closed roads.

Hospitals on High Alert Amid Code Orange Declarations

The blizzard’s impacts extended to health services as the Southern Health regional authority declared a Code Orange at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach and Ste. Anne Hospital following a major multi-vehicle crash. The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg also issued a Code Orange alert in response to multiple serious collisions in the area.

A Code Orange signals hospitals to prepare for a sudden influx of casualties, with resources redirected to manage the increased demand. Medical teams across southern Manitoba remain on high alert as the storm continues to impact travel and safety.

Schools and Community Services Disrupted

The storm’s reach extended to schools and community health services, with significant disruptions reported. The Seine River School Division initially attempted to remain open but later announced closures after conditions worsened. Students already picked up by buses were rerouted to the nearest available schools for parental collection.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority warned of potential disruptions to community health services, including home care. Patients with postponed or cancelled appointments were advised to contact their case coordinators for rescheduling.

Extreme Cold Adds to Travel Chaos

The snow storm has brought Arctic temperatures, further complicating recovery efforts. Winnipeg’s early morning temperature of 2C dropped sharply to –13C by the afternoon, with wind chills making it feel closer to –30C.

Forecasters predict daytime highs ranging from –21C to –26C over the coming days, with nighttime lows dipping to –30C. Wind chill values in northern Manitoba could reach –50C, prompting extreme cold warnings across the region.

Emergency Response and Road Closures

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported at least 30 collisions on highways across southern Manitoba, highlighting the storm’s severity. Widespread road closures, including the Trans-Canada Highway and several rural routes, left many travelers stranded. By midday, numerous roads remained impassable, with plows struggling to keep up with the rapid accumulation of snow and drifting caused by high winds.

The province’s emergency alert system issued warnings via mobile phones and public statements, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve. Motorists venturing onto closed roads faced fines and potential danger as conditions deteriorated.

Impacts on Manitoba’s Economy and Daily Life

The blizzard’s impact on Manitoba extends beyond immediate travel disruptions, affecting the province’s economy and daily life. Businesses reliant on transportation and logistics faced delays, while local communities grappled with interruptions to essential services.

In addition, the storm has disrupted ski and winter tourism in the region, with operators forced to suspend activities due to safety concerns. For many Manitobans, the storm’s timing underscores the challenges of living in one of Canada’s most weather-impacted regions.

Looking Ahead: When Will Conditions Improve?

Environment Canada predicts that conditions in eastern Manitoba will ease by Friday evening, while western areas may see gradual improvements by late afternoon. However, the far north remains under an extreme cold warning, with frigid temperatures expected to persist through the weekend.

The public is advised to monitor weather updates and follow official guidance as authorities continue to manage the storm’s aftermath. For now, Manitoba braces for a prolonged recovery period as residents and officials navigate the challenges posed by one of the most severe blizzards of the season.

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