WINNIPEG — Heavy snowfall caused school cancellations in rural Manitoba and traffic tie-ups in the city on Thursday.
Schools were closed in the Lakeshore, Seine River, Hanover, Evergreen, Sunrise, Border Land, Interlake, Red River Valley and Lord Selkirk school divisions.
Traffic reports warned that areas of the Perimeter Highway were down to one lane because of the snow and vehicles could be seen in the ditches. A semi-trailer truck in the ditch of the westbound Pembina Highway off-ramp onto the Perimeter Highway was blocking traffic at 7:30 a.m.
Big delays were reported on major routes in the city. Winnipeg traffic can be checked at the real-time Global traffic page.
Winnipeg Transit warned people to prepare for a long commute and to check their schedules before leaving home.
There were reports of vehicles becoming stuck in snow in Bridgewater Forest and Sage Creek neighbourhoods.
A snowfall warning ended early Thursday morning after 12 to 15 centimetres of snow fell in Winnipeg.
Sprague received 25 cm of snow, while Kenora and Steinbach were hit by 20 to 25 cm. Portage la Prairie received 10 to 12 cm of snow.
Environment Canada warned that winds of 40 to 60 kilometres per hour are expected Thursday, so blowing snow will cause reduced visibility in the Red River Valley.
Check the Manitoba road report for highway conditions.
The city said Thursday that a declared snow route parking ban will remain in effect on streets designated as snow routes overnight from midnight until 7 a.m. Friday. Sidewalk plowing has started.
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