Canada

Strong winds hit Manitoba in a huge blizzard as residents prepare for a “historic” storm

A man pulls out his car with a shovel while the city wakes up from a snowstorm in Winnipeg, April 13. JOHN WOODS / The Canadian Press

Clem Cully was shoveling snow on his sidewalk in Winnipeg for an hour on Wednesday. He said he had another hour and planned to do it again on Thursday.

“It’s crazy, but it’s Winnipeg for you,” laughed Mr. Cully.

The capital, Manitoba, was flooded with snow on Wednesday as whirling winds made visibility – and shoveling – a huge challenge in a city well accustomed to winter, even when it hits in April.

According to Environment Canada, much of southern and central Manitoba remains under storm warning and gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour are expected with snowfall of between 30 and 50 centimeters.

While the temperature in Winnipeg on Wednesday afternoon was not very cold – it was around 0 C – most people struggled to make their way around the city if they decided to withstand the storm. But not Ryan Watt. He walked calmly to his resource support group, where people could go check the job boards and look for work. Even in blizzard-like conditions, he drank iced coffee, taking slow steps. He said he was enjoying the time, but others? Not so much.

“I’m sorry about this woman,” Mr. Watt said, pointing to a woman who was somehow making her way through the deep snow on the sidewalk across the street, dragging a large cart behind her.

It makes me feel sad, but what can you do?

Other people come together to help each other during what could be a “historic” storm.

Some older people, vulnerable people and those whose health has been compromised have been relocated from some Winnipeg communities, said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. This is a preventative measure in case there are power outages, leaving these people at home without the resources they need. Mr Daniels said most communities were fully prepared for a few days of forecast winter weather.

“They really stocked up to prepare for it,” he said.

Manitoba Hydro said it was still monitoring for icy rains and strong winds that could damage power lines, especially in rural areas. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 13 localized outages affecting more than 900 customers.

RCMP Sergeant Paul Manaigre said most highways in southern Manitoba are either closed or about to be closed. He said there were definitely people on the highways at risk of falling into the ditch and it would be difficult for emergency services to reach them, especially as weather conditions are expected to worsen and intensify until the final clearing on Friday. He said the safety of first responders was also important.

“If they don’t have to answer calls from blocked drivers, that’s the bonus here. We want to protect these people, too, “said the sergeant. Manaigre, media relations officer.

He called on people who need to be on the road to make sure they have the right safety and security equipment. But “I hope people stay home,” he said.

The provincial government has urged all Manitoba residents not to travel. Many businesses and organizations remain closed, and all Winnipeg subway schools and children’s centers are closed until the end of the week in anticipation of the snowstorm. While the storm was expected to ease a little later Wednesday, it was expected to intensify again overnight.

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