Environment Canada is warning a blizzard will affect the Red River Valley on Friday.
A sharp change in the weather is on tap for the Red River Valley on Friday in the wake of a cold front. The cold front will pass through the area, bringing a cm or so of snow, dropping temperatures and strengthening the winds.
Through the morning hours, winds will increase to 70 km/h with gusts perhaps as high as 100 km/h. This will cause near-zero visibilities in blowing snow, rendering travel nearly impossible. Winds will weaken Friday night and visibilities will improve.
Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility.
Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle.
If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck.
If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. 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.
