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Southern Manitoba Hit by Severe Blizzard

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 8:59 GMT by Global News
      Locales: Manitoba, CANADA

Winnipeg, Manitoba - February 24th, 2026 - Southern Manitoba is currently battling a severe blizzard that has brought transportation to a standstill and forced widespread closures of schools, universities, government offices, and numerous community organizations. Environment Canada issued blizzard warnings early this morning, predicting heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-zero visibility conditions. This event is shaping up to be one of the most significant blizzards the region has seen in years, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel.

The blizzard, which began developing overnight, intensified rapidly this morning, dumping snowfall at rates of up to 3 centimeters per hour. Combined with sustained winds gusting up to 70 km/h, these conditions have created whiteout conditions across much of southern Manitoba, making travel exceedingly dangerous. Visibility is reported to be less than a quarter of a mile in many areas, effectively shutting down major highways and city streets.

Widespread School Closures Impact Thousands of Students

As of this afternoon, multiple school divisions have announced full closures for Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. Among those affected are Pembina Trails School Division, River Heights School Division, and numerous others. The decision was made to prioritize the safety of students and staff, given the hazardous road conditions and the risk of becoming stranded during the storm. This closure impacts tens of thousands of students across the region, with many school divisions indicating potential for further closures tomorrow depending on the storm's trajectory and severity.

Post-Secondary Institutions Also Shuttered The University of Manitoba, along with other post-secondary institutions in southern Manitoba, has also announced a full-day closure. Classes have been cancelled, and campuses are closed to all but essential personnel. University officials emphasized that the safety of students and faculty is paramount, and traveling to campus under these conditions would pose an unacceptable risk. Online learning options, where available, have been encouraged, but even remote access may be disrupted by potential power outages.

Government Services Disrupted

Recognizing the severity of the situation, several government offices throughout southern Manitoba have also been closed. This includes provincial government buildings in Winnipeg and surrounding areas, as well as municipal offices. Non-essential government services have been suspended, and residents are encouraged to access information and services online whenever possible. Emergency services, however, remain fully operational, and crews are working tirelessly to respond to calls for assistance.

Travel Strongly Discouraged - Major Highways Affected

Manitoba Transportation has issued a travel advisory strongly discouraging all non-essential travel across southern Manitoba. Several major highways, including sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, have been closed due to blowing snow and hazardous conditions. Even for those who must travel, officials warn that roads are extremely dangerous and that visibility is severely limited. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, reduce their speed, and be prepared for sudden stops.

Looking Ahead: Blizzard Conditions Expected to Persist

Environment Canada forecasts that blizzard conditions will persist throughout the day and into the evening. While the snowfall rate may decrease slightly overnight, strong winds and blowing snow are expected to continue, maintaining hazardous conditions. Residents are advised to monitor the latest weather updates from Environment Canada ([ https://weather.gc.ca/ ]) and their local school divisions for further information. The province is preparing for potential power outages and has activated its emergency response plan to ensure that resources are available to assist those in need. Local authorities are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members and to ensure they have adequate supplies of food, water, and medication.

This blizzard serves as a stark reminder of the power of winter weather and the importance of being prepared. With conditions expected to remain challenging for the foreseeable future, residents of southern Manitoba are urged to prioritize safety and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.