Two highways have been closed due to a blizzard that has greatly hampered visibility.

Highway 1 is closed between Headingley and Portage, while Highway 75 is closed between the perimeter highway to the US border.

Weather warnings include the entire Red River Valley, where winds are expected to reach between 60 and 80 kilometres an hour.

Conditions are expected to worsen this afternoon and improve in the evening.

The northwest wind gusting up to 80 km/h in the southeast.
Blowing Snow Advisory in effect for:

Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and Sundown
R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
Poor visibility in snow and blowing snow is expected or occurring in some locations.

Blizzard conditions have developed this morning from Lake Manitoba through Elie, Morris, and Emerson with poor visibilities of 400 metres or less due to snow and blowing snow.

Elsewhere winds are not quite as strong, and while visibilities are still quite poor, they are not expected to reach the blizzard threshold.

Within the City of Winnipeg conditions are not that bad, however the blowing snow advisory is in effect for outlying areas.

Improvement should begin by early this evening.

Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to storm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #MBStorm.