Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) is advising Manitobans to take precautions as a spring blizzard continues to impact southern and central Manitoba.
Environment Canada has issued storm advisories for the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon and much of southern and central Manitoba. Heavy snow accompanied by strong northerly winds gusting 50 to 70 kilometres per hour are forecast for today and tomorrow. Snowfall rates will ease slightly this afternoon but snow is expected to intensify over the region later today. Widespread snowfall accumulations of 30 to 50 centimetres are expected for much of southern and central Manitoba and North Dakota by Friday.
The snowfall from this weather event will not have an immediate and significant impact on runoff, as the long-range weather forecast calls for below zero temperatures to persist until late next week. Runoff forecasts will be updated and published once the extent and magnitude of the snowfall from the current weather event is known.
Power outages can occur during blizzards and Manitobans are encouraged to prepare basic emergency kits with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. More information is available at: www.manitoba.ca/emo/prepare/kit.html#basic
The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support for both preparatory and response activities throughout this weather system.
MTI continues to monitor highway conditions and has deployed the province’s heavy equipment fleet where snow accumulation has begun. Motorists are reminded to adjust driving habits for winter road conditions and remain alert when following or approaching oncoming highway snowplows. All equipment has flashing blue warning lights and drivers should stay well back of all equipment. Do not attempt to pass snowplows from behind when they are in operation and remember to slow down when passing approaching snowplows.
Manitobans with travel plans are advised to travel only when necessary or wait until road conditions are safe to do so. Manitoba RCMP have closed some highways and more closures are expected as highway conditions continue to deteriorate. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow and surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
The province recommends the following road safety tips:
– check the weather forecast and driving conditions before travelling;
– delay or cancel your trip if travel is not recommended;
– ensure your vehicle is in good winter driving condition;
– completely clear all windows, mirrors and lights of snow and ice;
– warm up your vehicle to prevent window fogging;
– allow extra time for travelling;
– carry a winter emergency car kit;
– if conditions worsen while driving, turn back or find a safe place to stop until the weather eases; and
– advise people of your departure, approximate travel time and the route you are taking.
More information about driving in winter conditions is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo/winter.html
Those choosing to travel are advised to check Manitoba 511 for current road conditions prior to making the decision. While 511 is updated regularly by the provincial road patrol, conditions can change in a matter of minutes.
