Dozens of highways remain closed early Sunday morning as much of southern Manitoba digs out from a blizzard.

Environment Canada says that "a cold front passed through southern Manitoba overnight, leading to strong northerly winds of 50 gusting to 70 km/h. This is causing widespread blizzard conditions over the Red River Valley. The cold front also gave 10 to 15 cm of snow overnight, with snow tapering off through the morning."

Blizzard warnings have now ended for several areas, including the City of Winnipeg. The national forecaster says that conditions should ease midday Sunday through the Red River Valley, except for near the international border, where blizzard conditions may persist into the afternoon.

As the blizzard moves out of the province a period of drier weather is expected. However, it's bringing along with it extremely cold weather yet again. "Extreme cold conditions are likely tonight across much of southern Manitoba. Wind chills will be near -40 over the north Basin of Lake Winnipeg this morning, as temperatures continue to drop."

Travel is still expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility, Environment Canada says. "Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow."

Dozens of highways were closed Saturday evening and overnight Sunday. As of 7 a.m. highways still closed include the Perimeter Highway, Highway 1 East from Deacon's Corner to Highway 11, the westbound lanes Highway 1 from the Perimeter Highway to Elie, and Highway 1 in both directions from Elie to Highway 34.

You can find the latest highway closures and conditions on the A-Z Electronics Road Reports & Cancellations page.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Limit outdoor activities. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals.

Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least 4 hours.

UPDATE: As of 12 p.m. the following highways remain closed - all others have reopened:
  • Highway 1, from Highway 207 to Highway 11,
  • Highway 1, from Virden to Highway 21,
  • Highway 3, from Highway 14 to Highway 34,
  • Highway 12, from Highway 1 to the US Border,
  • Highway 31, from Highway 14 to the US Border,
  • Highway 83, from Highway 1 to Birtle,
  • Highway 201, from Altona to Highway 32.