Residents of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, Manitoba, are being warned to prepare for slippery roads and possible power outages as freezing rain and gusts up to 70 km/h are expected on January 11, 2026. The morning will likely begin with a mixture of freezing rain and snow before conditions clear up later in the afternoon.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the temperature is expected to reach a high of +3°C, but the warming weather will be accompanied by strong southwest winds. These gusts could break ice-covered tree branches and cause power lines to sway or ‘gallop’ (a line-gallop effect), increasing the risk of localized or wider power outages across the community.
Leadership at Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation is asking residents to secure any loose items outside their homes that could be blown away. Drivers should be extra careful on Highway 50 and local streets, as ice buildup can make walking and driving very dangerous.
If the power goes out, Manitoba Hydro crews will work to locate and repair damage as soon as it is safe to do so; outages can be reported via Manitoba Hydro’s outage map or by calling 1-888-624-9376. Residents are also reminded by the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) to stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away from any downed power lines and to report them immediately to the utility company.
