Residents in The Pas, along with those in Cormorant, Westray, and Wanless, should prepare for hazardous conditions as a major spring storm moves through the region. Environment Canada issued an orange freezing rain warning for the area effective at 4:11 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The storm is bringing freezing rain that may accumulate to more than 5 mm. Forecasters expect the freezing rain to continue throughout Thursday evening before shifting into rain or snow by Friday. This system is part of a larger, unusual late-season storm that is affecting much of central and northern Manitoba with a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds.
According to Terri Lang, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the severity and northern reach of this weather system are uncommon for this time of year. Residents should expect challenging travel, as some routes may become impassable due to the combination of freezing rain and heavy snowfall. Strong northeasterly wind gusts up to 70 km/h are also expected to create blowing snow and reduced visibility.
In addition to the immediate travel hazards, officials are warning that prolonged utility outages are likely. The incoming system is expected to deliver between 20 and 60 mm of total precipitation to the region. This adds a new layer of concern for the Hydrologic Forecast Centre, which had already noted elevated flood risks in parts of the province due to above-normal snowpack and a delayed spring melt. Information about local conditions is also being monitored by The Weather Network.
