Snow, wind cause poor driving conditions in southern Manitoba

WINNIPEG – Visibility on highways around Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba is fair to poor as snow hits southern Manitoba on Wednesday morning.

The worst driving conditions were reported north and west of Winnipeg, with snow-covered roads and poor visibility along the Perimeter Highway and out to Selkirk, Man., and Lake Winnipeg, and close to the Ontario border.

Snow is forecast for most of Manitoba on Wednesday, with the worst hitting the province in the morning.

Accumulations in Winnipeg and around the province are expected to reach five centimetres, with the heaviest snowfall in the morning.

Wind is gusting near 50 kilometres per hour, causing poor visibility in some areas.

RCMP issued a news release about a two-vehicle crash at Highway 8 and Highway 67 that included a warning about winter driving.

Selkirk RCMP and other emergency services responded to a call about the crash shortly after 10 a.m., a news release said.

Injuries were reported but it wasn’t known how severe they were. Police warned people to expect traffic delays.

“RCMP advise motorists to adjust their driving for the weather conditions,” the news release said. “Slow down, drive with caution and increase your distance between other vehicles.”

Winnipeggers tweeted about the view out their windows or from their cars:

However, snow is expected to slow this afternoon, with the southwestern corner of the province already clearing at 10 a.m.

Winds are also forecast to calm down, so driving conditions should improve in the afternoon.

The forecast for Thursday is for a mix of sun and cloud with a below-seasonal high of -10 C.

Up-to-date highway conditions can be found on the provincial road report.