WINNIPEG — Blizzard conditions have made for hazardous road conditions across much of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, prompting school closures in many areas.
Some parts are expected to receive up to 20 centimetres of snow before the storm passes through, and strong winds, forecast to taper off later today, have reduced visibility and caused drifts on highways.
Many roads in southern Manitoba are closed, including sections of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Perimeter Highway surrounding Winnipeg.
Schools in many areas, including Winnipeg, are closed, as are the University of Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba and RRC Polytechnic.
Winnipeg police have advised motorists to avoid road travel and stay home.
Manitoba RCMP say they received 11 reports of vehicle collisions and 20 stranded drivers overnight.
In Saskatchewan, Mounties say they had 82 reports of crashes, not including vehicles stuck in snow.
Winter storm warnings have also been issued across north-central Ontario and into Quebec, with up to 30 centimetres of snow forecast.
On Wednesday, the weather system kept police busy in Alberta, dealing with dozens of collisions due to very icy conditions.
One major route in Alberta saw police respond to a widespread pileup and delay involving 80 to 100 cars, closing the Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Calgary and Airdrie for hours.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2025.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
