Southern Manitoba Hit by Fierce Snowstorm: Blowing Snow Advisory Issues Hazardous Travel Warning – What You Need to Know to Stay Safe and Avoid Dangerous Roads!

Published on December 28, 2025

Southern Manitoba is currently under a blowing snow advisory, with hazardous travel conditions expected to persist throughout the day. According to Environment Canada, the storm system moving across the region has caused significant snow accumulation, coupled with strong winds that will make travel difficult, especially on highways and secondary roads. The snowstorm is forecast to bring 5 to 10 centimetres of fresh snow, with blowing snow severely reducing visibility.

Winnipeg, Steinbach, Gimli, and Emerson are among the areas affected by the advisory, with meteorologists warning of dangerous conditions for anyone who needs to travel. Motorists are urged to avoid non-essential travel, as road conditions are expected to worsen quickly.

Blowing Snow Conditions to Last Throughout the Day

The snowstorm has been wreaking havoc across southern Manitoba, with snow and winds combining to create near-zero visibility, making driving particularly hazardous. Strong gusts of wind, reaching up to 60 km/h, will cause the snow to drift across roads, further reducing visibility and complicating driving conditions.

Environment Canada has stated that the blowing snow will be most intense during the afternoon, as the storm system continues its movement across the region. While the snow accumulation may seem moderate at 5 to 10 cm, it is the combination of snow and wind that creates life-threatening hazards for anyone traveling through the affected areas.

“We’re seeing snow accumulations on the ground and those strong winds picking up the snow,” said an Environment Canada spokesperson. “With those winds, travel becomes extremely difficult, and the best option is to delay any non-essential travel.”

As the snowstorm intensifies, drivers should be prepared for changing conditions. Even main roads are expected to be affected, so it’s important to monitor real-time road reports.

Stay Safe: Travel with Caution and Monitor Updates

Given the uncertainty of the storm’s intensity and movement, travelers are urged to stay informed by checking real-time weather updates and road conditions on government websites such as Environment Canada and local highway maintenance contractors. Road closures are a possibility, especially on lesser-travelled routes, so it’s best to plan for any necessary detours.

For those who must travel, it’s essential to have a winter-ready vehicle and carry an emergency kit, including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight. It’s equally important to ensure that your vehicle has sufficient fuel to handle the unexpected delays caused by the storm.

What to Expect from the Snowstorm

The blowing snow is expected to continue through the late afternoon and early evening hours. While the snowstorm will not bring significant accumulation in a short period, its duration and the gusty winds will make travel extremely challenging.

According to Environment Canada, the snowstorm’s visibility impact could last for several hours as strong winds blow snow across the roadways, creating drifting snow piles, especially in open areas such as farmland or rural stretches of highway.

In addition to blowing snow, icy conditions are expected to develop as temperatures remain low throughout the day, creating slippery road surfaces. Travelers are urged to slow down and leave extra distance between vehicles to reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility and icy roads.

Advice for Manitobans: How to Handle Winter Driving Risks

When conditions like these occur, Winter Driving Safety is crucial. Motorists should consider the following advice:

• Check the weather forecast: Know the storm’s timing and intensity so you can plan accordingly.
• Limit travel if possible: If you don’t need to travel, consider postponing until conditions improve.
• Drive slowly: On snow-covered or icy roads, reduce speed to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Increase following distance: Make sure there’s plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter: Keep your tires inflated and ensure they’re rated for winter driving conditions.

Despite how dangerous these weather conditions may be, Manitobans are no strangers to winter storms. The provincial authorities are prepared for such storms and are continuously monitoring weather developments and road conditions to ensure that citizens stay safe.

Public Safety Remains a Priority

The Manitoba Highway Safety Program encourages everyone to take extra precautions while driving in snowy, icy conditions. Law enforcement is expected to be more vigilant, ensuring that vehicles driving too fast for the conditions are held accountable. With the ongoing snowstorm, it’s anticipated that several highways could experience delays as snowplows work to clear the roads and reduce the danger of snowdrifts.

While the storm’s conditions are severe, this is a standard winter storm for southern Manitoba, a region that often faces extreme weather during the colder months. Officials are hopeful that conditions will begin to improve by tomorrow morning, once the storm clears.

The Importance of Monitoring Real-Time Updates

If you must travel during this advisory period, it’s highly recommended to stay updated through real-time resources. Websites such as Manitoba 511 and Environment Canada provide instant updates on road conditions, accidents, and weather forecasts. By staying informed, you can adjust your travel plans accordingly to minimize risk.

Travelers are also advised to check for road closures, especially along highways in rural areas or remote locations, as these regions are most vulnerable to the blowing snow’s impact. Some smaller roads may be closed temporarily until the snow can be cleared, and attempting to navigate those areas could result in dangerous situations.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Ultimately, the most important thing during this type of weather event is to stay informed and make safety a priority. Southern Manitoba has seen its fair share of winter storms over the years, but this advisory presents unique risks due to the wind and snow combination. For residents and travelers alike, the advice remains clear: if you don’t have to travel today, stay home and wait until conditions improve.

As the snowstorm progresses, both locals and travelers should continue to monitor updates on road conditions and weather reports to ensure they’re making informed decisions. While Manitobans have weathered many storms before, it’s important not to underestimate the dangers of winter driving conditions, especially during a snowstorm like this one.

Conclusion: Preparing for Winter’s Fury

Winter in Manitoba is no stranger to snowstorms, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. The blowing snow advisory issued for southern Manitoba highlights the need for caution, preparedness, and staying informed. If you plan to travel, be sure to take all necessary precautions, and if possible, delay your journey until weather conditions improve. By doing so, you will not only keep yourself safe but also help reduce the risk of accidents on the already-challenging roads. Stay safe, and stay updated!