Parts of southern Manitoba under severe thunderstorm watch

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This article was published 11/05/2024 (573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg was Canada’s hot spot on a blustery Saturday afternoon, which brought a risk of thunderstorms and concerns about smoke from wildfires, including one that led to evacuations in northern Manitoba.

Environment Canada’s website said the temperature had climbed to 30.6 C at Winnipeg’s airport by 4 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of southern Manitoba. The main threats include wind gusts of more than 90 km/h.

Thunderstorms will weaken and move out of the region Saturday night, said Environment Canada.

The forecaster issued a special statement due to wildfire smoke that is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Firefighters were battling an out-of-control blaze near Flin Flon that had grown significantly overnight to about 3,000 hectares, the province said.

Homes and cottages around Sourdough Bay have been evacuated. Other residents were put on standby. Sprinklers were being set up to protect structures that were in danger.

After the province put out a call for help, 10 crews from Ontario are expected to arrive “first thing next week,” a news release stated.

Air tankers from Saskatchewan are also helping the fight.

The extreme fire conditions are due to drought and high winds, the province said.

Flin Flon declared an outdoor fire ban Friday.

A separate out-of-control fire near Wanless, north of The Pas, had grown to 100 hectares. Heavy equipment was being used to set up a fire break on the north side of Wanless.

Drivers on Highway 10 will experience reduced visibility due to smoke, the province said.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca