Shannon Dueck

A spokesperson for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) says in recent years speed has been the leading cause of snowmobile fatalities in our province. 

Tara Seel is Media and Public Relations Lead with MPI. She says from 2021 to 2024, there were 12 snowmobile fatalities in Manitoba. Though speed was determined to be the leading cause, other factors included alcohol impairment, lack of helmet use, driver inexperience, and careless driving.

When it comes to speed, Seel says some of that can be attributed to the rider not knowing the strength of the machine. 

On cold days like this, Manitoba Hydro would like to remind the public never to plug in a vehicle inside a garage.

Spokesperson Peter Chura says there have been a number of garage fires in our province already this year that are related to block heaters and extension cords. Manitoba Hydro says though block heaters keep cars running in the winter, they can be dangerous if not properly used.

On cold days like this, Manitoba Hydro would like to remind the public never to plug in a vehicle inside a garage.

Spokesperson Peter Chura says there have been a number of garage fires in our province already this year that are related to block heaters and extension cords. Manitoba Hydro says though block heaters keep cars running in the winter, they can be dangerous if not properly used.

"Don't plug in your vehicle inside the garage," warns Chura. "Fires inside the garage are very dangerous."

On cold days like this, Manitoba Hydro would like to remind the public never to plug in a vehicle inside a garage.

Spokesperson Peter Chura says there have been a number of garage fires in our province already this year that are related to block heaters and extension cords. Manitoba Hydro says though block heaters keep cars running in the winter, they can be dangerous if not properly used.

An Alberta Clipper is headed our way. Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says it will bring stormy conditions to Southern Manitoba on Friday. This has prompted a Winter Storm Watch to be issued.

Prior to that, Hasell says Thursday will see temperatures around the freezing mark, with a chance of flurries and a risk of freezing rain for this part of the province. Then, as the low-pressure system passes through overnight, it will bring about a change in our weather.

An Alberta Clipper has made its way to southern Manitoba. As a result, Highway 75 is closed from Winnipeg to the U.S. border.

Environment Canada says blizzard conditions are developing in the Red River Valley as a cold front sweeps down from the north. In the wake of this front, very strong northerly winds gusting as high as 90 km/h will give very poor visibility in snow and blowing snow, particularly in the open country.

The Member of Parliament for Provencher says his initial reaction to hearing Monday morning's announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was one of disappointment. 

Trudeau has announced that he will be stepping down as Liberal leader as soon as a replacement has been selected by his party. He has also asked the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until March 24th.

As 2024 comes to a close, the Member of Parliament for Provencher says he is encouraged by recent poll numbers. Ted Falk says the polls look very good for the Conservative Party of Canada and clearly Pierre Poilievre is doing an excellent job as leader to articulate the vision of what Canada could be. 

"His message has been clear throughout the year, and he's been building on that and it's a four-pronged message; it's axing the tax, building the homes, fixing the budget and stopping the crime," adds Falk.

After two weeks of unseasonably mild weather, get ready to hunker down, as things are about to change.

Christy Climenhaga with Environment Canada says right now there is a change in our weather pattern as a large ridge of high pressure is allowing Arctic air to flow south. She notes this will lock in cooler than normal conditions for much of the Prairies. 

Climenhaga explains that the Polar Vortex is air that spins around the North Pole year-round. She notes when it starts to weaken or dislodge, it will track south, pushing cold air towards the United States. 

After two weeks of unseasonably mild weather, get ready to hunker down, as things are about to change.

Christy Climenhaga with Environment Canada says right now there is a change in our weather pattern as a large ridge of high pressure is allowing Arctic air to flow south. She notes this will lock in cooler than normal conditions for much of the Prairies. 

Climenhaga explains that the polar vortex is air that spins around the North Pole year-round. She notes when it starts to weaken or dislodge, it will track south, pushing cold air toward the United States.