Blizzard conditions, low visibility prompts road closures and flight cancellations in Manitoba

Thursday, January 16, 2014, 7:29 AM -

Widespread warnings were issued across the Prairies on Wednesday, including winter storm, snowfall and blowing snow warnings in parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 

An intense low pressure system developed in northern Saskatchewan bringing upwards of 15 cm of snow to some places through Wednesday night.

The heavy snow combined with hurricane force winds resulted in reduced visibility and poor driving conditions. 

Blizzard warnings remained in place for parts of Manitoba early Thursday as brisk winds and blizzard conditions continued near the international border. 

SEE ALSO: Deadly windstorm hits the Prairies

Most of Trans Canada Highway thru #Manitoba closed. Hwy 75 shut down #Winnipeg to U.S. border. #Blizzard warnings south of #ywg this am

— Chris Murphy TWN (@chris_m_twn) January 16, 2014

Most of the Trans Canada Highway through Manitoba was closed along with Highway 75 from Winnipeg to the U.S. border.

The powerful winds played havoc at Winnipeg's airport as well on Wednesday.

Many flights scheduled to arrive were rerouted due to the blowing snow. 

The system continued to race southeastward, bringing 5-10 cm of snow to parts of northwestern Ontario. 

Snow will become lighter through the day with an additional 2-5 cm expected through Thursday. 

"Gusty northerly winds up to 60 km/h are forecast to develop and may result in localized blowing snow in exposed areas, with associated poor visibilities," says Environment Canada in the statement early Thursday.

Winds will gradually ease across Saskatchewan and Manitoba Thursday afternoon, with improved visibility expected. 

Another system however, could result in more snow in parts of the Prairies Friday. 

"The next low will take almost an identical track to Wednesday's low, tracking into Manitoba from the Yukon, but it will be much weaker," says Weather Network meteorologist Gina Ressler. "Still, snow and blowing snow could cause problems in Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Friday."

Ressler adds that Alberta will remain mild and dry under the ridge of high pressure and Calgary's high may reach the mid-teens on Saturday.

With files from The Canadian Press