Blowing snow expected to produce hazardous driving conditions in Winnipeg, surrounding areas

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Peggy

Poor visibility and blowing snow are expected to make driving difficult in parts of south-central Manitoba, including Winnipeg, according to the national weather agency.

Winds throughout the Interlake, west toward Portage la Prairie and south to the U.S. border are forecast to reach gusts of 60 to 70 km/h overnight Tuesday.

Widespread areas under the advisory could have visibility reduced to nothing at times, and it will last most of Wednesday with winds reaching as high as 80 km/h with gusts, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

Winds should improve over northern parts of the Red River Valley, including Winnipeg by Wednesday afternoon, with reduced wind speeds south of Manitoba’s capital city later in the day.

Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility. The national weather agency recommends travellers consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

A map with many colours. — Environment Canada has issued a blowing snow advisory for south-central parts of Manitoba overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning due to strong wind gusts. (Riley Laychuck/CBC)

Snow squall watch for east-central Manitoba

Visibility is also expected to be reduced in east-central areas of the province due to heavy snow combined with blowing snow.

Snow squalls, which cause weather conditions to vary considerably within a short distance, are slated to begin forming overnight Tuesday and last until Wednesday afternoon. Snowfall amounts in the range of 10 to 20 centimetres is possible, Environment Canada says.

Communities in and around Beausejour, Lac du Bonnet, Grand Beach Powerview-Pine Falls, Poplar River, Bloodvein and Berens River are under the watch.

Travel has the potential to be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather.