Canada, US: Adverse winter weather conditions forecast across parts of Manitoba, Minnesota, and North Dakota as of Jan. 11

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across the Red River Valley and surrounding areas of southern Manitoba, Canada, and northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, US, Jan. 11. Snowfall and strong winds are likely to impact the region, which may lead to blizzard conditions in some locations. Hazardous driving conditions are likely due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages may occur in affected areas.

Environment Canada has issued a red snowfall warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for parts of southwestern Manitoba, around Dauphin, through midday Jan. 11. Authorities have also issued a special weather statement for prolonged snowfall in Winnipeg and surrounding areas of southern Manitoba through late Jan. 11.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for Cavalier, Pembina, and Walsh counties in northeastern North Dakota and Kittson and western Marshall counties in northwestern Minnesota that will remain in effect into late Jan. 11. Winter weather advisories have been issued for surrounding areas of northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

Officials will likely issue new alerts and update or rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The inclement weather will likely cause widespread transport disruptions across the affected areas. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities will likely close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds will threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected areas. Mountain passes and tunnels will probably be closed as a precautionary measure amid blizzard conditions or periods of intense snowfall. The disruptive weather will likely cause delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Snowfall and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage.