Manitoba Schools Closed as Second Winter Storm Hits Province
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A widespread system of snowfall warnings and blowing snow advisories has prompted school closures across southern Manitoba, just one day after a significant blizzard impacted the region. Environment Canada forecasts continued hazardous conditions Friday, with another Alberta Clipper bringing substantial snowfall and strong winds.
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Widespread Disruptions to Education
Students in dozens of school divisions will experience another day away from classrooms as the province grapples with the aftermath of Thursday’s blizzard and the arrival of a new winter system. The latest warnings, issued by Environment Canada, cover a vast area, stretching from the Saskatchewan border to the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg.
A snowfall warning is in effect for areas around the Rural Municipality of Yellowhead, including Shoal Lake and Elphinstone, where 10-15 centimeters of snow are expected Friday. Combined with wind gusts reaching 60-70 km/h, these conditions will significantly reduce visibility as the new snow is whipped around.
Blowing Snow Threatens Travel Safety
The strong winds are also the primary driver of a blowing snow advisory impacting approximately half of the Interlake region and nearly all of southern Manitoba. Across this advisory area, general snowfall accumulations are predicted to be between five and 12 centimeters, with higher amounts anticipated in the Parklands region.
The following school divisions have cancelled all classes for the day:
- Beautiful Plains
- Border Land
- Fort La Bosse
- Garden Valley
- Hanover
- Interlake
- Lakeshore
- Lord Selkirk
- Prairie Rose
- Red River
- Southwest Horizon
- Sunrise
- Turtle Mountain
- Western
Limited Services in Winnipeg and Brandon
While schools within the Seven Oaks division in Winnipeg remain open, bus services have been suspended for the day. In Brandon, school division buses will not operate outside the city limits, and classes are cancelled at Alexander, O’Kelly, and Spring Valley schools. Attendance at all other schools is at the discretion of parents, considering individual travel conditions.
The province’s Franco-Manitoban School Division (DSFM) has also announced closures for the following schools:
- Aurèle-Lemoine
- Gabrielle-Roy
- Jours de Plaine
- Lagimodière
- Pointe des Chênes
- Réal-Bérard
- Ste. Agathe
- St. George
- St. Jean-Baptiste
- Saint-Joachim
- Saint-Lazare
Buses are not running for these DSFM schools, but buildings remain open:
- La Source (Shilo)
- Régionale Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes)
- École Gilbert-Rosset (St. Claude)
- École Noël-Ritchot (St. Norbert)
Post-Secondary Impacts
Most campuses of RRC Polytech are operational Friday, with the exception of the Winkler location. Classes at the Steinbach and Arborg language training centres will be held online only.
The ongoing winter weather serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by Manitoba’s harsh climate and the importance of prioritizing safety during severe weather events.
