Blizzard warnings continued across a wide swath of southern Manitoba on Friday afternoon as dangerous driving conditions persisted throughout the region.
Bursts of snow combined with high wind gusts made driving nearly impossible at times through the day, especially across the Winnipeg area.
While Winnipeg proper is no longer included in the blizzard warning, much of southern Manitoba will remain at risk for powerful wind gusts and blowing snow which may cause travel conditions to deteriorate. Remain alert for rapidly changing road conditions through the afternoon before conditions ease later today.
Prairies Friday afternoon snow wind gusts
DON’T MISS: Winter storm prompts school and highway closures, travel warnings in Manitoba
“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said in its blizzard warning for the region. The agency added: “Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave.”
Dangerous travel as powerful winds and snow picks up
A cold front screaming across the Prairies will kick up gusty winds and bursts of snow as it treks through the region into the day Friday.
Travel will remain difficult to nearly impossible at times across southern Manitoba on Friday, as the combination of high winds and heavy snow will reduce visibility to nearly zero at times.
RELATED: What turns a snowstorm into a raging blizzard?
Manitoba Blizzard Snowfall Through Friday
Widespread wind gusts of 60-70 km/h are expected across the region, with gusts potentially reaching as high as 100 km/h downwind from Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipegosis.
This is more of a visibility hazard than an accumulation hazard for the affected areas. While several centimetres of snow will fall around the city proper, a swath of 10-20 cm of snow is in the forecast farther north toward the Interlake region. Beware slick travel along the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead Highways.
“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility,” ECCC warns.
Dangerously cold temperatures settle in
Cold temperatures that will rival some of the coldest of the season will then move in for the weekend, as Arctic air plunges south, and spreads east across the region.
Manitoba Wind Chill Forecast Monday
Severe and dangerously cold conditions are expected, with temperatures as much as 10 to 20°C colder than seasonal through early next week.
SEE ALSO: Calgary’s no-show snowstorms this winter. When will one finally arrive?
Much milder Pacific air will spread east at times during the final days of January, but reinforcing shots of Arctic air will keep the milder periods brief.
WATCH: When does a snowstorm become a blizzard?
Click here to view the video