Blowing snow forces highway closures

Much of southern Manitoba will be subject to blowing snow or blizzard warnings on Sunday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued multiple weather warnings after a low-pressure system moved into the province from the west yesterday.

The system is causing multiple warnings and highway closures, particularly west and south of Winnipeg, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Rose Carlsen.

The weather agency warned wind gusts and near-zero visibility in some parts of the Red River Valley and areas southeast of Lake Manitoba. Parts of south and central Manitoba are under a blowing snow advisory.

Strong winds with gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour, cold temperatures and blizzard conditions will persist throughout the day before easing up in the evening, Carlsen said.

The following highways are now reopened, according to the provincial government:

Highway 1, from Sidney to Portage la Prairie.

Highway 52, from Highway 59 to Mitchell.

Highway 59, from Highway 100 to St. Malo.

Highway 23, from Hwy 34 to Lowe Farm.

Highway 31, from Hwy 3 to US Border.

Highway 32, from Hwy 14 to US Border.

Highway 3, from Sperling to Crystal City.

 

The following highways remain closed:

Highway 1, from Portage to Winnipeg

Highway 2, from Hwy 100 to Hwy 34

Highway 13, from Hwy 1 to Carman

Highway 14, from Hwy 30 to Hwy 75

Highway 23, from Lowe Farm to Hwy 59

Highway 26, from St. Francis Xavier to Hwy 1 (near Portage la Prairie)

Highway 30, from Hwy 14 to US Border

Highway 75, from Ste. Agathe to Winnipeg City Limits

Highway 75, from Ste. Agathe to US Border

Highway 201, from Hwy 32 to Hwy 59

These closures are due to poor winter driving conditions, due to blowing snow.