With a winter storm pelting the northern U.S. and southern parts of Manitoba and Ontario, several communities were left to wonder if spring really is just a week away.
The new season officially begins March 20, but as the Colorado Low blew over the border region early Thursday, fresh new heavy snow mixed with rain forced the closure of several highways in southern Manitoba.
This Manitoba Highways map shows red circles where the roadways were closed, while yellow lines indicate partially snow-covered routes.
Some closures were due to driving conditions, while others were a result of vehicle collisions.
The westbound lanes of Highway 1 near Headingley were closed over the lunch hour after a collision. It reopened at about 2:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, a section of the Trans-Canada Highway near Falcon Lake was also closed due to a crash.
RCMP took to social media asking motorists to drive to conditions. In a tweet, they urged drivers to “use caution due to blowing snow in open areas and icy conditions throughout southern Manitoba.”
They also reminded drivers to reduce speed and keep an eye out for emergency vehicles.
Global News weather specialist Kahla Shea said a blizzard warning was still in effect for the Steinbach area mid-day Thursday, with an additional 2-4 cm of snow possible in the afternoon. Wind gusts near 60 km/h were also expected.
The snowfall warning was still in effect for the Whiteshell – Lac du Bonnet – Pinawa areas, with total amounts of 10-20 cm possible by the evening.
Futurecast looking ahead to 4:30 p.m. and one for 9 p.m.
As the snow continues to move north into Ontario, conditions in our province should be cleared up by late evening.
Several rural school divisions closed schools due to weather conditions including the Seine River, Hanover, Border Land, Sunrise and Red River Valley.
While some people may have struggled with accumulated or blowing snow, some – kids in particular – were able to enjoy the fresh blast of winter.
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