A blast of severe winter weather has disrupted the school day for many students across Manitoba. On the morning of Friday, December 19, 2025, several school divisions announced closures due to dangerous road conditions caused by snow and blowing snow.
Weather Conditions Prompt Safety Concerns
The decision to close schools was driven by a significant winter weather event impacting southern and central parts of the province. Environment Canada had issued a blowing snow advisory for several regions, warning of reduced visibility and hazardous travel. The advisory highlighted that strong winds were combining with fresh snow to create difficult and potentially dangerous conditions on highways and rural roads.
School boards, prioritizing student and staff safety, made the call to cancel classes and transportation services. The closures were announced early in the morning, with divisions notifying families through their standard communication channels. The specific schools and divisions affected were those in areas where road conditions were deemed too treacherous for buses and family vehicles.
Community Response and Ongoing Challenges
The storm's impact extended beyond the education system. The challenging conditions tested drivers across the province. In a notable display of community spirit, the article referenced an incident where Winnipeg neighbours helped a fire truck that became stuck in the snow, underscoring the severity of the local conditions.
Meanwhile, other parts of Canada were grappling with their own weather extremes. The news summary noted a special weather statement for Toronto warning of slippery conditions, snow squalls forecast for Central Ontario, and a warning for potential freezing rain in another region. This pattern indicates a widespread active winter weather pattern across the country as the holiday period approaches.
Looking Ahead
The school closures on December 19 serve as a stark reminder of Manitoba's formidable winters and the logistical challenges they present. While the immediate priority was safety, the disruptions affect family schedules and highlight the importance of staying informed during severe weather events.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring updates from Environment Canada for the latest weather warnings and from their local school divisions for any further announcements regarding class schedules. As the situation evolves, authorities will be assessing road conditions to determine when normal operations can safely resume.
