WINNIPEG — A blizzard stirred up by an Alberta Clipper is wreaking havoc on southern Manitoba on Thursday.

With wind gusts up to 90 km/h, blowing snow and poor visibility is making driving a challenge across the southern half of the province.

By the time the system is done, between 10-20 centimetres of snow is expected to fall into Friday.

Numerous Manitoba highways are closed, including Highway 1 to the Saskatchewan border, and travel is not recommended.

“Travel will be dangerous and likely impossible due to near-zero visibility,” Environment Canada said in an alert. “There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic.”

Plowing of Winnipeg streets underway

The City of Winnipeg has been clearing main roads since 1 a.m. and will continue re-plowing throughout the morning to manage blowing snow.

Plowing of sidewalks and pathways began at 7 a.m. and will continue based on the street priority system.

The city has closed the landfill at Brady Road Resource Management Facility and all 4R Winnipeg Depots. Garbage and recycling collection has been cancelled today.

“We anticipate those scheduled for Thursday service will be collected tomorrow (Friday),” the city said. “Those with Friday pick-up will be collected Saturday.”

Section of Perimeter Highway closed

Winnipeg police say due to deteriorated road conditions and high winds causing poor visibility, the Perimeter Highway between Fermor Avenue and Dugald Road is closed to traffic.

“In addition, some roads within the city have become difficult to navigate due to drifts and snow cover,” police said on social media. “It is recommended that motorists avoid road travel this morning and shelter in place until conditions have improved.”

School, bus route cancellations

All Winnipeg schools have closed for the day, as well as the University of Manitoba, which has also cancelled exams for Thursday.

“All exams scheduled for today have been rescheduled for Saturday, December 20, at the same time and location,” the U of M said in a statement. “Students who are unable to attend on December 20 due to extenuating circumstances should contact their faculty directly, as soon as possible. At this time, exams scheduled for Friday, December 19 will proceed as scheduled.”

RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg campuses are also closed for the day.

To report a closure in your area, contact us.