"Hurry, hard" is something you may hear in local curling rinks on any given night. The exact opposite is the case today in Portage la Prairie as most roads are covered in a sheet of ice, similar to a curling rink.

Sask avenue looking eastSaskatchewan Avenue looking east

You may want to give yourself a few extra minutes to get to work if you're an early riser and plan to start stopping at lights and signs much sooner than you normally would. Thanks to the rain, freezing rain, and wet snow, roads are quite slippery all around the Central Plains. The Trans-Canada highway west of Portage was closed for several hours last night due to an accident and slippery conditions but it did reopen late last night. Although all highways are open, many are showing slippery conditions in the aftermath of yesterday's storm.

highway maphighway conditions in the area at 6 a.m.

road reports and cancellations here

Today should be much better but with a high of only zero, it doesn't look like any of the ice will melt on its own. A few flurries are also expected late tonight and overnight and temperatures will be much cooler all week. Forecast here

western bearing

Common sense driving tips from the RCMP

 

Make sure you have your vehicle ready before you head out on the roads:

  • Have proper tires on your vehicle. Tire pressure decreases in colder weather, so check your tire pressure often
  • Ensure you have windshield washer fluid that is rated for winter use so you can keep your windshield clean and your line of vision clear
  • Clear all snow and frost from your vehicle before driving so that you can see and be seen
  • Ensure wheel wells are cleared of slush or build-up that could impede your ability to steer
  • Have extra winter wear in your vehicle, such as toques, mittens and winter boots
  • Keep a road safety kit and shovel in your vehicle

Safe winter driving tips:

  • Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. On winter roads, be aware there could be ice. Driving at reduced speeds is a great precautionary measure against slippery conditions
  • Do not use cruise control
  • Increase your distance between other vehicles as stopping distance on an icy road is double the stopping distance on a dry one
  • Observe road signs pointing out icy spots, such as bridges and overpasses
  • If you start to skid, do not brake or accelerate. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction
  • As always, keep in mind the basic safety rules: buckle up, slow down, drive with caution, be aware, be alert, be sober, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, and keep focused on the road
  • Check weather and road conditions before heading out. If road conditions are unfavourable, the safest strategy is to avoid driving