Blizzard Forces Closure of Highways and Schools Across Southern Manitoba
A powerful blizzard has swept through southern Manitoba, prompting widespread closures across the region. The Alberta Clipper weather system has resulted in wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, causing severe blowing snow and drastically reduced visibility. With snowfall expected to measure between 10 to 20 centimeters, some areas may receive even more before the storm subsides later today.
School Closures in Southern Manitoba
Due to the hazardous conditions, numerous school divisions have closed their facilities:
- Beautiful Plains
- Border Land
- Evergreen
- Fort La Bosse
- Franco-Manitoban (excluding Thompson)
- Garden Valley
- Hanover
- Interlake
- Lord Selkirk
- Prairie Rose
- Prairie Spirit
- Red River Valley
- Seine River
- Turtle Mountain
- Rolling River
Schools within the Winnipeg School Division remain open, but all bus services have been canceled. The Brandon School Division’s buses are also not operating outside the city, where several schools, including Alexander, O’Kelly, and Spring Valley, are closed. Parents may decide on student attendance where travel is necessary.
Road Closures and Safety Advisories
The blizzard has severely impacted travel conditions. Portions of the Trans-Canada Highway are closed, along with many other routes throughout the province. The Winnipeg Police Service has warned that the Perimeter Highway between Fermor Avenue and Dugald Road is also shut down due to deteriorating conditions. Motorists are urged to avoid road travel until conditions improve, as city roads have become treacherous due to snow drifts and accumulation.
Impact on Post-Secondary Education
Colleges and universities have been affected as well. The University of Manitoba has closed its doors, rescheduling all exams set for today to this Saturday. Students who are unable to attend on December 20 are encouraged to contact their faculty as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg campuses will remain closed until at least 11 a.m., including the Notre Dame, Exchange District, and Stevenson campuses. All regional campuses are closed, and classes have transitioned to an online format. Further updates regarding the status of Winnipeg campuses will be provided as conditions are assessed.
Weather Warnings and Precautions
Southeast Manitoba is under winter storm warnings, alongside extreme cold alerts for the northern regions. The Environment Canada website contains a detailed list of affected areas and weather alerts. Residents are advised to stay indoors and monitor local updates for any changes to the current conditions.
