Winnipeg: Powerful thunderstorms that swept across Manitoba on Tuesday night caused widespread disruption, leaving flooded roads, power outages and damaged infrastructure in several parts of the province.
Heavy rainfall turned many streets in Winnipeg into waterways, with low-lying areas remaining submerged as emergency crews worked to restore normal conditions and ensure public safety.
The storms affected southern, central and western Manitoba, bringing torrential rain and strong winds that disrupted daily life. Thousands of homes and businesses lost electricity, several schools were closed and flooding concerns intensified in multiple communities.
Strong winds uprooted trees, damaged power lines and utility poles, and left roads and underpasses inundated. Repair crews from Manitoba Hydro have been deployed across affected regions to restore electricity, although officials warned that extensive damage could delay recovery efforts in some areas.
Several schools remained closed on Wednesday due to power failures that affected lighting, internet connectivity and other essential services. Some school bus routes were also disrupted because of hazardous road conditions.
Rainfall totals reached exceptional levels in several locations. More than 250 millimetres of rain was recorded in Stonewall, while Woodlands received over 120 millimetres. Winnipeg’s Forks area reported approximately 177 millimetres of rainfall.
The storms were also accompanied by powerful winds. Gusts reached up to 130 kilometres per hour in parts of western Manitoba, while Brandon recorded winds of around 100 kilometres per hour and Winnipeg experienced gusts nearing 94 kilometres per hour.
Weather officials have warned that additional rainfall could impact the Parkland region in the coming days, increasing the risk of further flooding in already saturated areas.
Swan River declares local emergency
Conditions were particularly severe in the town of Swan River, where local authorities declared a state of emergency following days of heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
Mayor Lance Jacobson said the community had received more than 190 millimetres of rain since the weekend. Overflowing waterways and breached riverbanks led to water entering roads, residential areas and other low-lying locations.
Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation closely as residents brace for the possibility of further rainfall and flooding across parts of Manitoba.
