Highway conditions deteriorating Thursday afternoon as storm rolls through

Update at 3 p.m.: The Headingley Fire Department has sent out a notice saying, "[Highway 1] is extremely dangerous right now. Ice covered and raining." The post asks motorists not to attempt travel in the area at this time.

Motorists are reporting poor driving conditions for much of southern Manitoba west and southwest of Winnipeg as a Colorado Low moves through southern Manitoba.

The City of Winnipeg and many other areas of the Red River Valley are under a special weather statement, with freezing rain and two to four centimetres of snow expected today and into Friday. Temperatures will also be dropping below the freezing mark, and by evening it could be -10 in the region, making for extremely icy conditions after the mild weather and rain. 

West of Winnipeg conditions are quickly worsening. Around 1 p.m. travellers reported somewhat icy conditions on the Trans-Canada with most vehicles going 90 - 100 km/h in the 110 km/h zone. However, as of 2 p.m. callers to the station say that motorists are now going around 45 km/h in the same stretch of road.

Yvette called in and said that just west of Portage la Prairie most motorists are travelling around 60-75 km/h. She, and other callers, have also said that traction is so poor that as soon as they touch their brakes their vehicles start to slide.

Manitoba Infrastructure's highway conditions map as of 2:20 p.m. shows several highways ice and snow-covered.

Manitoba Infrastructure is reporting that most highways north, west, and southwest of Winnipeg are either ice-covered or snow-covered. Many highways are also dealing with blowing snow and reduced visibility as a result.

Many of the callers have suggested to not travel if not necessary.

Areas south and east of Winnipeg will likely also begin to experience poor driving conditions as the afternoon goes on.

We'll continue to update conditions throughout the afternoon drive on our websites, apps, and of course, on-air.