Blizzard warning in effect for Winnipeg

A blizzard is expected to wallop most of southern Manitoba beginning Wednesday afternoon.

An Alberta clipper is forecast to sweep through the southern border of the province, including Winnipeg, and bring 10 to 20 centimetres of snow.

An orange blizzard warning is in effect for Winnipeg. Environment and Climate Change Canada uses a colour-coded weather alert system — yellow, orange and red. Orange warnings are uncommon, the federal department said.

“Severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts,” its website states. “Impacts are major, widespread and/or may last a few days.”

In a news release, the City of Winnipeg reminded residents to be careful during cold weather. The wind chill is forecast to be as low as -34 late Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada said.

“Older adults and very young children should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure,” the city said. “Check on older friends, relatives and neighbours who live alone.”
The city also recommended limiting the amount of time pets spend outside.

“Citizens are encouraged to call 911 immediately if they see someone who needs help or is injured due to extreme weather,” the Winnipeg Police Service said in a separate statement.

Freezing rain will begin to fall in the Parklands region before moving east through the Interlake and the Red River Valley. The rain will turn to snow by the evening.

Snow is expected to taper off by Thursday morning, but strong winds and freezing temperatures are in the forecast until Friday.

Wind gusts could blow 70 to 80 kilometres per hour, Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang said. Temperatures will hover around the -30 C mark Thursday and Friday.

The City of Winnipeg advised snow crews were on standby and ready to respond to the incoming weather. Trucks will continue applying sand and/or salt to improve roadway traction as required.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure said in a news release that it is ready to deploy its fleet of 340 vehicles, based in 46 maintenance yards around the province, for clearing snow and related work.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority told residents home care services might be affected.

“Weather-related service delays or cancellations are possible for clients, due to blizzard conditions, and its impact on transportation and access to clients. Every effort will be made to maintain existing schedules. However, some weather-related delays or cancellations may be inevitable.”

The Winnipeg School Division warned the weather might cause bus delays.

Rolling River School Division in western Manitoba preemptively cancelled classes Wednesday morning because of the incoming storm. Division scolaire franco-manitobaine cancelled buses for École Saint-Lazare and École Jours de Plaines in Laurier.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca