Vehicles damaged, power knocked out as violent thunderstorms blast Winnipeg, southeast

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This article was published 25/07/2023 (944 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the saying goes: “when thunder roars, go indoors!”

Environment and Climate Change Canada received reports of golf ball-sized hail overnight Tuesday that left some vehicles damaged in St. Norbert, said meteorologist Stephen Berg.

Other neighbourhoods in Winnipeg saw nickel- to toonie-sized hail paired with rainfall amounts of between 20 and 65 millimetres during the violent thunderstorms that battered the city.

Similarly, areas in southeastern Manitoba, including Zhoda — 35 kilometres southeast of Steinbach — received 73 millimetres of rain. Steinbach was hit with 63 millimetres. The Links at Quarry Oaks, a Steinbach-area golf course, was forced to close Tuesday.

Streamline wind gusts of 90 km/h ripped the roof off one building in Ste. Agathe, which is 20 minutes south of Winnipeg, said Berg.

The severe thunderstorm caused several power outages throughout the city Tuesday morning.

Manitoba Hydro responded to a pole fire in the Crestview area close to Saskatchewan Avenue, leaving 830 people without power until approximately 5 p.m.

“We’re working as quickly and safely as possible to restore everyone affected by last night and this morning’s storms,” Manitoba Hydro Spokesperson Riley McDonald wrote in an email. “We know it’s difficult being without power and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we work to get it back on.”

A power outage in Linden Woods affecting 3,770 people was partially restored with about 100 customers still without power late in the afternoon.

Manitoba Hydro also responded to a power outage caused by wildlife affecting 2,060 people in the St. John’s area, which has been fully restored.

The public utility advised customers to stay at least 10 metres away from a downed line, pole fire or trees that have come in contact with lines and to call Manitoba Hydro immediately.

Environment Canada said a combination of extreme heat and humidity creates a possibility of thunderstorms across southern Manitoba, the Interlake region, east of Lake Winnipeg and upwards to The Pas and Flin Flon Wednesday.

“If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter indoors, or if you’re out in the middle of nowhere and you’re in a vehicle, it’s better to stay in the vehicle,” said Berg.

tessa.adamski@freepress.mb.ca