People board a Winnipeg Transit bus during the morning commute on Friday, January 17, 2025, amid blustery conditions. (CHRISD.CA)
WINNIPEG — The province is urging motorists to avoid all roadways in southern Manitoba as deteriorating weather has created hazardous driving conditions, including near-zero visibility in some areas. Multiple highways, including Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway, have been closed.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure says emergency services are prioritizing accident responses due to a surge in collisions, placing significant strain on resources. Authorities remind the public that travelling on closed roads is illegal and can result in fines.
Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions at manitoba511.ca before considering any travel.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a blizzard warning for parts of southern Manitoba this morning.
The province’s health organization says several hospitals were on alert to receive a sudden influx of patients due to vehicle collisions.
Shared Health says the number of injured and the severity of their injuries are still being determined.
“We can confirm that a number of patients have been or are in the process of being transported to various hospitals and health centres across the province,” it said in an email Friday afternoon.
Code oranges were called at the hospital in Ste. Anne, Man., and the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, Man., meaning staff were told to prepare for a sudden surge in patients.
Staff at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre were alerted that a code orange could be called.
The City of Winnipeg alerted the public that garbage and recycling collection could also be delayed.
“If your carts have not been collected by 7 p.m., please put your carts away and report a missed collection,” the city wrote on social media.
If local residents find drifting snow is blocking a street, sidewalk, or pathway, a report can be made online.
Visibility within the city early Friday was also reduced, but not as poor as on the Perimeter Highway and outside city limits. (CHRISD.CA)
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Emergency Responders require room to move and transport patients if necessary.
WPS is assisting the RCMP for a multi-vehicle pile-up at Fermor/Lagimodiere, the South Perimeter is CLOSED. Avoid the north and south perimeters (CLOSED) at all costs, Follow… pic.twitter.com/d3E0ref7Zc— Winnipeg Police (@wpgpolice) January 17, 2025
Province Asks Motorists to Avoid Highways in Southern Manitoba as Road Conditions Worsen https://t.co/i9jFjgREdH pic.twitter.com/1FHm4FGf9P
— Manitoba Gov News (@MBGovNews) January 17, 2025
Blizzards are severe snowstorms that produce near-whiteout conditions for a long period of time. But not all major or memorable snowstorms are true blizzards. https://t.co/YgN44nSbVF
— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) January 17, 2025
— With files from The Canadian Press
