Residents in Sandy Bay, Manitoba, should prepare for hazardous driving conditions after unseasonable rain is forecast to begin the evening of Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, followed by a sharp overnight temperature drop that could produce a flash freeze and widespread black ice.
Environment Canada describes a flash freeze as a rapid temperature fall that causes rain or melted snow on streets and sidewalks to freeze quickly. Forecast guidance for the region indicates temperatures may fall to around -14°C in the hours after the rain, increasing the risk that wet road surfaces will freeze into slippery patches.
Local leadership has been urged to prepare for disruptions. Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation residents are being advised to complete any essential travel before the rain begins on Thursday night. Chief Trevor Prince is the community’s current chief; the chief and council are responsible for monitoring conditions and deciding whether to close local offices or schools if the situation warrants an official announcement.
The community’s main access road is Provincial Trunk Highway 50 (PTH 50). Because Sandy Bay sits on the western shore of Lake Manitoba, lake-influenced winds and moisture can exacerbate icing during rapid freezes, making PTH 50 and connecting roads especially hazardous. Residents should check Manitoba 511 for real-time road conditions and possible closures before travelling to nearby towns.
