Multiple weather alerts issued, highways closed for south and central Manitoba

Multiple weather alerts were issued for south and central Manitoba on Jan. 18, 2026. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Multiple weather alerts are in effect for south and central Manitoba on Sunday due to another clipper system passing through.

At 4:22 a.m., Environment and Climate Change Canada issued multiple weather alerts across southern Manitoba, including an orange blizzard warning for some areas.

Gusty winds and visibility “frequently near zero” in snow and blowing snow are expected for southern Red River Valley and areas southeast of Lake Manitoba, such as Portage la Prairie, Deerwood, Emerson and Steinbach, the weather agency said.

“Strong northwesterly winds gusting to 80 km/h will develop early Sunday morning along with white blizzard conditions and falling temperatures for the day,” the warning said.

ECCC said travel will be dangerous and likely impossible due to the visibility.

“Road closures are possible. Avoid travel and outdoor activities, if possible.”

Other areas of southern and central Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Poplar River, Virden, Sprague and Pinawa are under yellow blowing snow advisory.

Northwesterly winds gusting 60 to 70 km/h will develop in the yellow advisory area.

Residents in the yellow advisory are advised to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

The agency said road closures are possible for all areas under the weather alerts.

RCMP urge motorists to be cautious

Manitoba RCMP are advising drivers to be “very cautious,” encouraging them to reconsider travelling until conditions improve.

The force is also reminding Manitobans that travelling on a closed highway is illegal and dangerous for both drivers and emergency crews.

In a media release, Mounties said 25 tickets were issued in Portage la Prairie during Friday’s storm for driving on a closed highway. The ticket carries a minimum fine of $298 and two demerit points, police added.

Highway closure information is available on Manitoba 511.

Conditions are expected to end Sunday evening, the weather agency said.