Snow storm closes Manitoba schools, shuts downs highways

Several divisions have closed schools Thursday due to snow storms that have made for low visibility and challenging driving conditions that have closed some highways in Manitoba. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Winnipeg and southern Manitoba overnight as an Alberta clipper is expected to drop more snow in Manitoba through the morning, with 15 centimetres expected.

A snowfall warning is also in effect for Westman, where up to 20 cm is expected by Thursday afternoon including in the Riding Mountain National Park area. Plows were out on the roads early, but Highway 16 remains closed from Neepawa to Highway 50, and the Perimeter Highway is closed around Winnipeg.

Snow covers Portage Avenue near St. Mary Avenue in Winnipeg on Thursday morning. (Erin Brohman/CBC) Some parts of the north are also facing an extreme cold warning: Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids, Pukatawagan, Brochet and other parts of northwestern Manitoba could see feel as cold as minus 45 and minus 50. As of 6:30 a.m.

CT, divisions that have closed for the day include Lord Selkirk School Division (staff are not to come in). Hanover School Division (staff are to work from home). Red River Valley School Division (staff are to work from home). Western School Division (staff to come in when safe). Borderland School Division.

Seine River School Division. Prairie Rose School Division. Garden Valley School Division. Evergreen School Division. Sunrise School Division. Rolling River School Division has cancelled buses and closed Colony schools. Schools are open in Beautiful Plains Division, but buses are not running, and in Gretna, all Grade 9 to 12 classes cancelled..