Dangerously cold temps grip the Prairies prompting bus cancellations, leaving drivers stranded

Monday, January 6, 2014, 9:36 AM -

Stranded drivers, bus cancellations and power outages. A dangerous deep freeze continues to grip much of the Prairies resulting in numerous problems on the roads and at home.

"Wind chills of minus 40 to minus 50 persist across much of Southern Saskatchewan this morning as brisk northwest winds continue with temperatures near or below the minus 30C mark," says Environment Canada in the wind chill warning for the region Monday morning. "At these extreme wind chill values frostbite on exposed skin may occur in 5 to 10 minutes."

It's a similar story across much of central and southern Manitoba as well, with the coldest readings over southwestern regions Monday morning.

Several schools in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba cancelled classes and buses on Monday and the CAA says the average wait time for a stranded driver needing a tow or boost in Winnipeg is about 12 hours.

Crews in Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Edmonton had to face the biting cold as they dealt with power outages Sunday night.

Wind chills are expected to remain colder than the minus 40 warning threshold before moderating Monday afternoon as winds drop off and temperatures slowly climb.

More significant warming is expected by mid to late week across both provinces.

Weyburn SK had wind chill of -53C (-63F) last hour. This on the way to US Midwest tonight, OH Valley/Great Lakes Mon.

— Chris Scott (@ChrisScottWx) January 5, 2014