Thousands of Manitobans were without electricity Friday because of Thursday’s snowstorm.
Power outages affected about 5,000 to 6,000 people in southeastern Manitoba, with some potentially facing a weekend off the grid.
Heavy ice and snow snapped about 120 hydro poles in the Piney area.
The province issued a storm update Friday afternoon.
"The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) advises people living in eastern Manitoba to take safety precautions in the aftermath of the season's first winter storm and the ongoing power outages in many communities," said the province. "Manitobans with recreational properties are also advised not to travel to the Whiteshell area this long weekend due to poor road conditions and widespread power outages," said the province in a release.
In the Falcon Lake area, 2,400 customers were affected, as well as 1,400 in Vita, 450 in Piney and 400 near Point Dubois and Bird Lake.
"It's been a real struggle. You don't know if you're going to be able to sleep and if it's going to be cold," said Vita resident Morris Storozuk.
Extra hydro crews were called in from Winnipeg, Brandon and the Interlake to deal with the damage.
Customers in Lac du Bonnet, La Broquerie and Beausejour should have power restored by Friday evening, said Hydro. Officials also said power was restored in Vita.
Poor road conditions pose problems for crews
The areas worst hit are Piney, the Whiteshell, Falcon Lake and West Hawk areas with some of those potentially without power through the weekend, said Hydro.
"Getting around is going to be difficult. The roads are treacherous and our crews are trying to work from the roads, so it could be a real problem in that area over the weekend," said Glenn Schneider, spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro.
The Manitoba government said hospitals and personal care homes in affected areas are operating on alternative power sources and officials don't anticipate having to relocate patients.
Drivers were advised to check highway conditions by calling 511 or by checking the province's website before heading out. The province also released safety tips for power outages.
The province also said landline phone services were affected in some areas. Around 3 p.m. Friday, the province said phone services may continue to be intermittent due to the ongoing hydro power interruptions.
Snowfall extinguishes wildfire threat
In Vita, the community has gone from dealing with the wildfires on Tuesday to heavy snow Thursday and Friday. The province lifted burn bans and backcountry travel restrictions that had been in place due to previously dry conditions.
Residents were left wishing the snow had come earlier to help counter the wildfires, which destroyed four homes and a bridge.
"If this storm would have come two days earlier, we would have been happy about it. Now, we are not," said Morris Storozuk.
"We've gone from fireball to snowball - fire suits to snow suits. This is unbelievable," said RM of Stuartburn Reeve Jim Swidersky.
