Thousands lose power in Western Manitoba as Hydro warns storm, gusts caused ‘significant’ damage

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Peggy

Manitoba Hydro crews were working to bring back electricity to thousands of homes that lost power due to Saturday’s storm in Western Manitoba, as high winds continued to cause trouble for the restoration efforts.

The outage knocked out the power of thousands of homes in the southwest. Manitoba Hydro said on social media Sunday evening that prolonged outages are expected to affect customers in Brandon and Killarney as well as Dauphin, Swan River, Neepawa, Russell, Virden and the Portage la Prairie region.

“Despite our efforts the damage from the storm and high winds is significant and widespread,” the utility posted shortly before 7 p.m. “Customers should plan to be without power overnight.”

Meanwhile, an Environment Canada strong wind warning was still in effect for the region Sunday. The federal agency says gusts were expected to hit upwards of 90 kilometres per hour on the afternoon, though the speed would diminish in the evening.

A map — Gusts were expected to hit upwards of 90 kilometres per hour Sunday afternoon. (Riley Laychuk/CBC)

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” Environment Canada said.

The strong wind warning is in effect for the following areas: