Residents of southern and south-central Manitoba are bracing for a significant snowstorm that began on Thursday, March 27, 2025, with forecasts predicting snowfall accumulations between 10 to 20 centimeters over a 24-hour period. The storm is expected to bring localized blowing snow, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel conditions.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued snowfall warnings for a large section of western Manitoba, covering areas west of Lake Winnipegosis and Lake Manitoba. Affected regions include the Porcupine Provincial Forest, Duck Mountain, Dauphin, Riding Mountain National Park, Russell, and Minnedosa. The storm commenced late Thursday afternoon, with heavy snowfall persisting through the night and into Friday morning, March 28, 2025, before tapering off by early Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Authorities are warning residents of the affected regions to exercise extreme caution while traveling. The rapid accumulation of snow, combined with strong winds, is expected to create dangerous driving conditions with reduced visibility. “Travel will become increasingly hazardous as snow intensifies late Thursday into Friday,” said an ECCC spokesperson. “Motorists are advised to drive according to conditions, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.”
While snowfall warnings are primarily concentrated in western Manitoba, Winnipeg and Brandon are also expected to receive heavy snow. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for these areas, cautioning residents about potential rapid snow accumulation and worsening conditions throughout the day on Friday. As of Wednesday evening, meteorologists remained uncertain about the exact track of the storm, leaving Winnipeg and Brandon on the fringes of the heaviest snowfall. Officials warn that additional snowfall warnings may be issued as the system progresses eastward.
This winter storm is being driven by a developing low-pressure system in Alberta, which is expected to push across the Saskatchewan border into southwestern Manitoba. As it intensifies, it will bring a mix of strong winds and significant snowfall, creating blizzard-like conditions in some regions. Meteorologists indicate that the storm’s path and intensity will determine the exact areas experiencing the highest snow accumulation. “As the system advances, some areas may see more than 20 cm of snowfall, particularly where bands of heavy snow set up,” an ECCC meteorologist noted.
Residents across southern Manitoba are urged to take necessary precautions as the storm approaches. Key safety recommendations include avoiding unnecessary travel during peak snowfall periods, stocking up on emergency supplies such as food, water, flashlights, and batteries, monitoring local weather updates for real-time changes to storm intensity and trajectory, and preparing vehicles with winter tires, extra blankets, and an emergency kit in case of roadside delays. With winter storms of this magnitude, power outages and disruptions to transportation services are possible. Manitoba Hydro and local municipalities have advised residents to report any downed power lines or outages immediately.
As the storm progresses, Manitoba’s highway maintenance crews are preparing to deploy snowplows and sanding trucks to keep major routes as clear as possible. However, drivers are advised that highways may become impassable in some areas, and temporary road closures could be necessary. The province’s emergency response teams are also on alert, coordinating efforts to assist stranded motorists and manage any storm-related emergencies. “We encourage residents to stay home if possible and only travel if absolutely necessary,” said a spokesperson from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure.
The storm is expected to weaken by Saturday, allowing for gradual improvements in travel conditions. However, lingering blowing snow and drifting could continue to cause visibility issues into the weekend. Icy roads and snow-covered highways may also slow post-storm cleanup efforts. Meteorologists warn that this could be one of the season’s most impactful storms, depending on how the system develops. “If the storm shifts slightly east or intensifies further, Winnipeg and other areas could see higher snowfall totals than currently forecasted,” an ECCC meteorologist stated.
As the snowstorm wreaked havoc, by Friday, March 28, 2025, several highways were closed due to inclement weather. Highway 5 was closed from McCreary to Ochre River, Highway 10 from the north gate of Riding Mountain National Park to Highway 19, and Highway 276 from Ste. Rose Du Lac to Highway 481. In addition to highway closures, numerous school divisions announced closures for the day, including Lord Selkirk, Interlake, Lakeshore, Sunrise, Seine River, Evergreen, and the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine, which closed École Jours de Plaine in Laurier and Aurèle Lemoine school. The Rolling River School Division closed only colony schools.
Bus cancellations were widespread as well, affecting DSFM-École Saint-Lazare, École Saint-Georges, Rolling River School Division, Beautiful Plains School Division, and Portage la Prairie School Division. The situation remains fluid, with updates being provided as more information becomes available.
The snowfall warning from Environment Canada remains in place, with the highest amount of snowfall reported at 19.6 centimeters in Matlock, in the Interlake Region, within the past 24 hours leading up to Friday. Parts of central Winnipeg saw as much as 18 cm of snowfall, while the rest of the city recorded anywhere between 5-15 cm. A snowfall warning anticipates an additional 2-4 cm of snow, but the warning indicates that total accumulations since Thursday will range between 15 to 25 cm in some areas.
As the storm continues to disrupt daily life, residents are reminded to stay informed through official weather advisories, local news sources, and emergency alert systems. Manitobans are encouraged to check road conditions before heading out and ensure they are adequately prepared for winter weather challenges. City of Winnipeg crews are working diligently to clear snow from main routes and sidewalks, based on a priority system, while also salting streets as needed to ensure safety for all travelers.
With the storm's impact expected to linger, officials are urging caution and preparedness among residents as they navigate the aftermath of this significant winter weather event.
