Drivers describe zero to near-zero visibility on several southeastern Manitoba highways, including reports of complete whiteout conditions along the Trans-Canada Highway and surrounding routes. By 11am, large snow drifts are also beginning to form in open areas.

According to the Space Age Kal Tire Road Report, many highways are partly ice-covered and partly snow-covered, with an increasing number of highway closures. One motorist reported a long line of vehicles parked along Highway 12 south of the Trans-Canada Highway as drivers waited for visibility to improve.

Hazardous conditions expected through the day

The advisory, issued at 9:27 a.m., says recent snowfall combined with strong winds and falling temperatures has created dangerous travel conditions across southern Manitoba.

Wind gusts exceeding 80 kilometres per hour are producing widespread blowing snow, with near-zero visibility reported in some areas. Forecasters say conditions are expected to gradually improve from northwest to southeast later this afternoon and into the evening.

Officials warn travel will likely be hazardous and could significantly impact the Friday rush hour. More road closures remain possible, and motorists are encouraged to postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Strong winds and falling temperatures

Today’s forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with occasional flurries. Blowing snow is expected to continue through the afternoon as winds shift northwest at 60 km/h, gusting up to 80 km/h before easing slightly later in the day.

Temperatures will fall to minus 15 this afternoon, with wind chills dropping from minus 8 this morning to minus 27 by afternoon.

Cold conditions continue into the weekend

Partly cloudy skies are expected tonight as winds gradually diminish. The overnight low will reach minus 24, with wind chills near minus 34 and a risk of frostbite.

Saturday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with lighter winds and a high of minus 17. Wind chills could reach minus 34 in the morning and minus 24 in the afternoon, maintaining frostbite risk.

Cloudy periods are expected Saturday night with a low near minus 24.

Sunday’s high is forecast to reach minus 10, followed by a warming trend Monday with a high near plus 2.

Weather conditions and the seven-day forecast are available anytime on the Loewen Body Shop Weather page.

Travel conditions worsening across the Southeast

As of 11 a.m. Friday, motorists are reporting rapidly deteriorating driving conditions throughout the region.

Drivers across southeastern Manitoba are being urged to use caution or delay travel today as blowing snow and strong winds significantly reduce visibility on area highways.

Details on what led to Highway 75 situation with the semi partially in the ditch are unknown, however, it appears the low-visibility cautions attached to the advisory are coming to fruition as blowing snow makes it nearly difficult to see the semi and emergency vehicles on the highway.

The entire Perimeter Highway around Winnipeg closed by 11am due to poor conditions.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow Advisory for blowing snow, warning that widespread visibility reductions will continue throughout Friday.