Dire Emergency Alert Issued for Southern Manitoba

A dire emergency alert has been issued for southern Manitoba, urging drivers to stay off the roads as a fierce winter storm plunges the region into a state of chaos, with visibility dwindling to nearly zero. As the snowstorm escalates, area hospitals are bracing for a potential spike in patients due to multiple vehicle accidents.

Multiple Accidents and Road Closures

At least 30 different collisions have been reported across southern Manitoba highways, prompting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to close dozens of roads, including key arteries like the Trans-Canada Highway from Winnipeg to Brandon, as of noon on Friday.

Health Authorities on High Alert

In response to a major multi-vehicle crash near Ste. Anne, approximately 45 kilometers from Winnipeg, the Southern Health regional health authority declared a 'code orange' at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach and Ste. Anne Hospital. This protocol indicates a hospital's readiness for a sudden influx of patients, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg also issued its own warning, indicating that it may soon need to escalate to a code orange as accidents continue to pile up around the city.

Emergency Alerts and Travel Advisories

Emergency alerts were disseminated shortly after noon, advising all motorists to avoid travel in southern Manitoba amid deteriorating conditions. The provincial government emphasized the necessity of keeping emergency vehicles clear, reiterating that it is illegal to drive on closed roads.

Treacherous Conditions Reported

RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre offered a stark assessment of the situation, describing the highways as 'treacherous' and noting that officers were actively responding to crashes across the region. Fortunately, it appears that most of these incidents have not resulted in serious injuries, though the police plan to provide detailed updates later in the day. 'It's clearly a day to stay home and wait it out,' Manaigre advised.

Widespread Highway Closures

Highway closures have spread throughout the area and include the entire Perimeter Highway in Winnipeg, which had been shut down by 10:30 a.m. Witnesses reported at least a dozen cars involved in a significant pileup on this route. In another alarming incident, firefighters from Roland responded to a crash involving six vehicles near Highways 23 and 3, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg.

Severe Weather Conditions Forecasted

As blizzard warnings continue to blanket southern Manitoba—impacting areas such as Winnipeg, the Red River Valley, and Interlake—experts warn of wind gusts potentially reaching up to 90 km/h, contributing to dangerously low visibility in rural areas. Environment Canada forecasts that conditions may begin to improve later Friday afternoon, with the worst effects tapering off into the early evening.

Extreme Cold Warnings in Northern Manitoba

Meanwhile, residents in the northern part of Manitoba are facing their own challenges, as extreme cold warnings signal a harsh influx of Arctic air. Wind chills are anticipated to plummet to near -50 degrees Celsius, starting late Friday and persisting through the weekend.

Impact on Schools and Health Services

The blizzard has also disrupted schools within the Seine River School Division, which covers significant parts south and southeast of Winnipeg. Despite an early dismissal announcement around 8 a.m., some students had already begun their commute when schools opted to close, leading to confusion. Parents were notified via alerts detailing alternate pickup locations.

Community health services are similarly impacted, with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority cautioning that inclement weather may delay or cancel home care services. Efforts will be made to maintain existing schedules, but clients should expect notifications regarding any changes to their appointments due to hazardous conditions.

Summary of the Situation

In summary, southern Manitoba is facing a formidable winter storm that has caused numerous accidents, posed significant risks to motorists, and disrupted community services. Authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors until the weather improves and to keep emergency vehicles unobstructed on the roads.