A combination of freezing rain and snow overnight has left highways across southern Manitoba extremely slippery, leading to treacherous driving conditions and at least one major traffic disruption.
Traffic is currently at a standstill on the North Perimeter between Rosser Road and Highway 6 after a semi-truck jackknifed, blocking both eastbound lanes.
Emergency crews are on scene working to clear the scene. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if they can.
Drivers across the region are also reporting treacherous conditions on several other routes. Portions of Highway 59 from Île-des-Chênes to Winnipeg and Manitoba Highway 12 from St. Anne to Winnipeg have been described as “skating rinks,” with vehicles slipping on the ice-covered pavement. In some situations, motorists have turned around and gone home.
A freezing rain warning was issued early Sunday evening as a weather system moved across southern Manitoba, coating roads and highways in a thin layer of ice overnight.
Motorists are being urged to slow down, increase following distances, and allow extra travel time as crews work to improve road conditions.
The temperature is expected to drop this morning, before rising again as the day goes on.