A relentless blizzard has gripped the Prairies, transforming roads into treacherous landscapes and forcing communities across Saskatchewan and Manitoba into a standstill. The storm’s fury prompted widespread school closures, shutting down universities and colleges as a blanket of white descended.
Southern Manitoba bore the brunt of the initial onslaught, with key arteries like sections of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Perimeter Highway around Winnipeg completely closed to traffic. Authorities issued urgent warnings, imploring residents to stay home and avoid all unnecessary travel.
Winnipeg police reported a surge in incidents overnight, with Manitoba RCMP logging eleven vehicle collisions and twenty stranded motorists. Thankfully, initial reports indicated no serious injuries, primarily consisting of vehicles sliding off the road and into ditches.
The storm’s potential remains significant, with some areas bracing for up to twenty centimeters of snow. While forecasters predict the worst of the gusty winds and blowing snow will subside later Thursday, the immediate danger is very real.
Beyond the travel chaos, the storm ignited a critical response to protect vulnerable populations. In Winnipeg, outreach teams proactively deployed vans on Wednesday, seeking out individuals living in encampments and bus shelters, offering a lifeline to warmth and safety.
Shelters like Main Street Project prepared for an influx of those seeking refuge, mobilizing all available resources. The demand for warm clothing – mittens, hats, and winter coats – soared as people sought protection from the biting cold.
The impact wasn’t limited to Manitoba. Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a staggering eighty-two crash reports, excluding vehicles simply stuck in the snow. The storm’s reach extended eastward, triggering winter storm warnings across north-central Ontario and into Quebec, forecasting up to thirty centimeters of snowfall.
The preceding days revealed the storm’s far-reaching power. Alberta experienced a wave of icy conditions on Wednesday, leading to numerous collisions. A particularly harrowing incident on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway near Calgary involved a massive pileup of eighty to one hundred vehicles, bringing traffic to a complete halt.
As the storm slowly begins to shift, the focus remains on ensuring safety and providing support to those most affected. The Prairies are resilient, but this blizzard served as a stark reminder of nature’s formidable power.
