Winter has reared up with force in Portage la Prairie.

2016 has been an interesting year for weather in Manitoba, and it continues today. Environment Canada has announced a Blizzard Warning for most of Southern Manitoba, with reduced visibility of 400 metres or less expected for at least 4 hours. They are expecting conditions to improve by this evening.

A shot of Crescent Lake

Not much snow is being forcasted in the blizzard, but with high winds and blowing snow, drifting could -- and has -- become a problem. Wind gusts are already at 55 kilometres an hour, and are expected to increase to 80 throughout the day.

Saskatchewan Avenue in Portage la Prairie

There have been several reports of cars in the ditch along highway 1, and others throughout the RM. The RCMP has closed Highway 1 from Portage to Winnipeg, and several other highways are ice covered or drifting. There has been no word of when #1 will be reopened. If you have to be on the roads today take care and be safe, otherwise board the windows and stay warm.

Catch up on all the cancellations, and check all the Manitoba road conditions here.

A shot of just outside out newsroom at the Golden West Studio