Blizzard warnings issued for much of southern Manitoba

Manitobans should be prepared for yet another blizzard to hit much of southern Manitoba on Friday.

Environment Canada says snow and blowing snow will begin this evening and develop into a blizzard early Friday morning before ending Friday afternoon.

From Environment Canada

A fast-moving low pressure system will bring 2 to 5 cm of fresh snow to southern Manitoba tonight. Areas of reduced visibilities will be possible through the night as southerly winds accompanying the snow gust to 60 km/h.

Conditions will deteriorate to blizzard early Friday morning as strong northwesterly winds gusting to 80 km/h develop in the wake of the system. The onset of these winds will be abrupt, beginning in the pre-dawn hours in the southwest and shortly thereafter for the Red River Valley. Widespread very poor visibilities in blowing snow are expected for the remainder of the morning into the afternoon. Whiteout conditions will be possible at times.

Winds will gradually diminish through the afternoon with significant improvement for most communities by evening. Areas near the international border may continue to see blowing snow and poor visibilities persist for a few hours more into the evening. Winds across southern Manitoba will diminish to light by midnight.

Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Limit outdoor activities. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals.

Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least 4 hours.