Farmers and residents in Winkler, Manitoba, are preparing for difficult travel and buried equipment tonight as a sharp change in wind direction is expected to cause heavy snow drifting across the region. A powerful Arctic cold front is moving through Southern Manitoba tonight, bringing a sudden shift that will push existing snow across fields and onto local roads.
According to Environment Canada, winds are switching from the south to the northwest tonight, gusting to 50–60 kilometres per hour. These northwest winds will pick up loose, dry snow and pile it into large drifts across farmyards and access lanes, even if no new snow falls from the sky.
Rural road crews have warned that visibility could drop to near-zero in open fields by the morning of Feb. 1, 2026. The RM of Stanley’s public works is responsible for maintaining local rural roads and typically prioritizes school bus routes; crews may pull plows if visibility falls below 200 metres. Northwest winds commonly blow snow across north–south routes such as PTH 32 and PTH 14, making it difficult for plows to keep lanes clear. Drivers are encouraged to check for closures and current road conditions on the Manitoba 511 website before heading out.
For those with animals, Manitoba Agriculture advises producers to monitor livestock and heated waterers frequently during windy, drifting conditions. Blowing snow can bury automatic waterers, heaters and feedlot areas, which can impede water access and shelter for cattle. Farm operators are also advised to secure any heavy machinery kept in open areas to reduce the chance it will be snowed in by fast-moving drifts.
