Latest Weather Alert: Freezing Rain Impacts Southern Manitoba
Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for pockets of southern Manitoba as a wintry mix continues to fall across the region. The icy precipitation has forced travel disruptions and prompted authorities to advise drivers to take precautions on the roads.
What Areas Are Affected?
Billowing ice is being reported in several locales within southern Manitoba, with freezing rain accumulating on untreated surfaces. While conditions can vary from one community to the next, the broader pattern suggests slick roadways, reduced visibility, and a higher risk of icing on bridges and overpasses. Emergency services and provincial transportation agencies remain vigilant and are issuing real-time updates as the situation evolves.
Highway Closures and Travel Advisories
On Sunday, winter driving conditions led to the closure of multiple highways in the affected region. Notably, Highway 5 was closed from Grandview to Sainte Rose du Lac, while Highway 10 experienced closures from Da… to parts of the corridor. Drivers are urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to monitor local transportation updates for the latest information on road statuses and detours.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Freezing rain creates a dangerous mix of ice and limited traction. If you must drive, keep the following precautions in mind:
- Plan extra travel time and allow for slower speeds. Maintain a generous following distance.
- Slow down before approaching bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first.
- Keep headlights on to improve visibility for yourself and others.
- Ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions: tires with good tread, a full windshield washer fluid reservoir, and an emergency kit in case of delays.
- Listen to Environment Canada advisories and follow local authorities’ instructions regarding road closures and detours.
What This Means for Residents
The freezing rain not only creates hazardous driving conditions but can also affect walkways, parking lots, and outdoor infrastructure. Municipal crews are likely to be treating roads and applying salt to mitigate slick surfaces, though ice-building time lag and varying weather patterns across communities mean travellers should stay alert to changing conditions.
What to Do If You’re Stranded
In case of traffic delays or road closures, stalled vehicles should be kept off busy lanes and visibility should be prioritized by turning on hazard lights. If you are involved in or witness a collision, contact local authorities and exchange information as appropriate. Anyone with medical or urgent needs should seek assistance from emergency services.
outlook and Guidance from Environment Canada
Environment Canada continues to monitor the situation and will issue updates as conditions evolve. The agency emphasizes that even light freezing rain can lead to dangerous road surfaces, so staying informed through official weather alerts is essential. Residents in southern Manitoba are advised to adjust plans, stay off the roads if possible, and prepare for continued winter weather in the days ahead.
Why Freezing Rain Is So Hazardous
Freezing rain occurs when rain falls through a shallow layer of subfreezing air near the surface, causing it to freeze upon contact with trees, vehicles, and pavement. The resulting glaze can be deceptively slick, with ice not always immediately visible. This phenomenon is common in transitional seasons and can produce rapid changes in driving conditions, particularly on rural roads and untreated surfaces.
As Manitoba communities navigate this weather event, residents are urged to stay informed, exercise caution behind the wheel, and use designated detours when closures are in effect. For continuous updates, consult Environment Canada and local transportation departments.
