Environment Canada has issued a blowing snow advisory for parts of Manitoba, warning residents of hazardous travel conditions and significantly reduced visibility. The advisory comes as strong winds whip up freshly fallen snow across the region.
Details of the Weather Advisory
The national weather agency issued the advisory on December 19, 2025. The warning highlights areas where winds are expected to cause widespread blowing snow, creating dangerous conditions for motorists. Visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero in heavy snow and blowing snow, making travel on highways extremely perilous.
This advisory follows a significant overnight storm that hit Winnipeg on Thursday, December 18, 2025, blanketing the city in snow. The aftermath of that storm, captured by The Canadian Press photographer John Woods, showed residents clearing substantial accumulations from driveways and walkways.
Community Response and Safety Precautions
The advisory serves as a critical reminder for Manitobans to exercise extreme caution. Environment Canada urges drivers to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. If travel is necessary, they recommend keeping a safe following distance, having an emergency kit in your vehicle, and ensuring your headlights and taillights are clear of snow.
The spirit of community assistance was already on display in Winnipeg, as highlighted in a separate report where neighbours banded together to help a fire truck that became stuck in deep snow. This incident underscores the challenging conditions faced by both emergency services and citizens alike during severe winter weather events.
Broader Weather Context Across Canada
Manitoba is not alone in facing severe winter conditions. A special weather statement was also issued for Toronto, warning of slippery conditions. Meanwhile, British Columbia is grappling with a severe flu season impacting children and leading to increased ER visits, demonstrating the wide-ranging impacts of seasonal weather and health patterns across the country.
As the holiday season approaches, weather remains a dominant factor for Canadians from coast to coast. Residents in affected areas of Manitoba are advised to monitor alerts and forecasts from Environment Canada for updates on the blowing snow advisory and any further warnings.
