The province's Transportation and Infrastructure minister Doyle Piwniuk is issuing a word of caution to those with travel plans starting this evening and into the Easter weekend as a major spring blizzard remains poised to wallop southern and central Manitoba.
Highway closures are expected, visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow and surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
Piwniuk encourages Manitobans to stay home.
"Not only can it be dangerous when we get snow and drifting snow, but don't forget that we also have water in our ditches from the melt and that is a concern we have," he explained.
The province recommends the following road safety tips:
- check the weather forecast and driving conditions before travelling;
- delay or cancel your trip if travel is not recommended;
- ensure your vehicle is in good winter driving condition;
- completely clear all windows, mirrors and lights of snow and ice;
- warm-up your vehicle to prevent window fogging;
- allow extra time for travelling;
- carry a winter emergency car kit;
- if conditions worsen while driving, turn back or find a safe place to stop until the weather eases; and
- advise people of your departure, approximate travel time and the route you are taking.
More information about driving in winter conditions is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo/winter.html.
Those choosing to travel are advised to check Manitoba 511 for current road conditions prior to making the decision. While 511 is updated regularly by the provincial road patrol, conditions can change in a matter of minutes.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to monitor highway conditions and is prepared to deploy the province’s heavy equipment fleet, which includes approximately 340 truck ploughs, de-icing equipment and motor graders. However, the Minister noted, crews won't be heading out on closed highways but said they'll get to work as soon as it is safe to do so after the storm passes and the roads re-open.
The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support for both preparatory and response activities throughout this weather system.
EMO’s Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre will activate to Level 2 on April 12 to ensure effective coordination of the provincial response and to provide local authorities support and the most up-to-date information.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, power outages can be expected with this storm.
Johanu Botha says EMO, along with Manitoba Hydro, are ready to respond should that scenario occur.
"EMO and MTI, we really are sort of an operational lynchpin between local authorities and Manitoba Hydro so they can deploy their contingency plan should there be widespread outages. They've got fairly robust planning in this regard. But we're well aware that, should there be power outages, we'll have to prioritize their resource to ensure that municipalities and communities can continue to function."
The province is encouraging Manitobans to prepare for possible long term outages by putting together basic emergency kits with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. More information is available at: www.manitoba.ca/emo/prepare/kit.html#basic.