A low pressure storm system has brought snow and blowing snow to a large area of southern Manitoba forcing the closure of Highway 75 from Winnipeg to Emerson.
Environment Canada says 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected in the southern Red River Valley and over southeast Manitoba. The weather service says totals of 20 to 25 cm are possible along the US border towards Sprague and Lake of the Woods area.
Northerly winds of 40 to 60 km/h are causing poor visibility over the Red River Valley and in open areas.
Highway conditions are treacherous with visibility reduced to 500 metres in some areas.
Northbound traffic at #Emerson border crossing. Hwy 75 to #Winnipeg closed due to #mbstorm @CAAManitoba @stormhour @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/eobPWCWjhv
— Border Services PRA (@CanBorderPRA) January 3, 2017
Situation at #Emerson border crossing. Community centre open for stranded travellers #mbstorm @CAAManitoba @weathernetwork @stormhour pic.twitter.com/RySY6ugKvz
— Border Services PRA (@CanBorderPRA) January 3, 2017
Environment Canada is asking Manitobans to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The following highways are now closed:
Highway 3, from Morden to Sperling
Highway 23, from Miami to Highway 59
Highway 13, from Carman to Elm Creek
Highway 2, from Haywood to Fannystelle
Highway 245, from Carman to Rose Isle
Highway 14, from Morden to Highway 75
Highway 75, from Winnipeg to Emerson
Highway 242 from the U.S border to the junction of Highwy 3 is closed
Highway 34 is closed from Hwy 23 to Holland
City workers have launched a truck plowing operation on main routes, bus routes and collector streets. Sidewalks are also being cleared and efforts are being made to sand all streets to improve traction.
There is an enormous amount of snow to be hauled away.
Motorists are urged to use caution when driving near any snow clearing equipment or sanding trucks.
Winnipeg Transit is warning people that some delays and service disruptions are expected this morning. Allow extra travel time and check routes and schedules at winnipegtransit.com #MBStorm