Blizzard warning, blowing snow advisories, and extreme cold alerts issued across Manitoba

Strong winds and blowing snow are expected to create near-zero visibility across Manitoba’s big lakes on Friday, as well as most of southern Manitoba. (Janek Valdsalu)

Environment Canada has expanded its winter weather alerts across Manitoba, issuing a blizzard warning for several major lakes, blowing snow advisories for much of southern Manitoba, and extreme cold warnings for parts of the north ahead of a powerful system expected Friday and into the weekend.

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The blizzard warning was issued at 11 a.m. Thursday, and remains in effect for Lake Winnipegosis, Lake Winnipeg’s north and south basins, and Lake Manitoba.

Forecasters say fresh snowfall combined with strong winds and open exposure on the lakes will lead to near-zero visibility beginning early Friday morning and lasting into the overnight hours.

Blowing snow to impact southern Manitoba

At 3:36 p.m. CST, Environment Canada also issued yellow level blowing snow advisories covering a wide swath of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, Morden, Winkler, Selkirk, Dauphin, Swan River and surrounding regions.

Recent snowfall, gusty winds and falling temperatures are expected to create widespread blowing snow and significant reductions in visibility. Wind gusts could reach 60 to 80 km/h, particularly in the Red River Valley.

Travel is expected to be hazardous across affected areas, with near-zero visibility at times. The advisory warns there could be significant impacts on Friday’s rush hour traffic.

Officials are urging Manitobans to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve and to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions if travel is unavoidable.

Extreme cold grips northern Manitoba

Meanwhile, northern Manitoba is facing a prolonged period of extreme cold.

Environment Canada says wind chills near -45 are expected to develop overnight Thursday and continue into Friday, with the most extreme values occurring during the overnight and morning hours. Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

The agency warns that extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those working or exercising outdoors, and individuals without proper shelter face greater danger.

Residents are advised to keep dry to stay warmer and to check on older family members, friends and neighbours.