A blast of arctic weather has plunged Manitoba and Saskatchewan into a deep freeze.

Environment Canada's Weather Office has issued a wind chill warning, noting that temperatures as low as minus 35 Celsius and winds of 15 to 20 km/h are producing wind chills in the minus 40 to minus 45 range.

"Frostbite is possible within 10 minutes at these values," the Office says.

It appears the blizzard that swept across the Prairies Wednesday is to blame for the cold. It ushered in the frigid arctic winds - a normal occurrence after a blizzard, says Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Cormier.

The Weather Office has issued hazardous weather warnings across southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, expecting the cold to last until next week. And they warn that temperatures are expected to stay colder than average until at least early next week.

In Winnipeg, school buses are not running and several rural school divisions have cancelled classes.

It's so cold in Saskatoon that garbage pickup has been suspended because the trucks' hydraulic systems won't operate.

Residents whose cars are refusing to start in the cold are deluging tow truck drivers and the Canadian Automobile Association with calls.

In Leader, Saskatchewan, a woman died of exposure after her car went off a slippery road night. The 57-year-old was found dead in the snow Thursday after apparently trying to return to the home she had just left.

Police believe she may have been disoriented after the crash because she was walking in the wrong direction and likely died from hypothermia.

Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services Chief Brian Bentley estimates his crews rescued 35 people stranded in various locations throughout Thursday. The day before, they saved a Quebec couple passing through Saskatoon who were stranded for seven hours.

On Wednesday, two people were found frozen to death on the side of the road after their vehicle got stuck in the snow north of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. The weather was also a factor in the death of a 32-year-old woman in Maple Ridge, B.C. when four cars collided in icy conditions.

The CAA recommends that drivers invest in survival kits for their cars. A cellphone, thermal blankets, flashlight, candles, shovel and water are good to have in case you get stuck in the snow.

As well, it's safer to stay inside a stranded car that to try to walk for help, since a vehicle can shield people from the elements.