Severe winds wreak havoc on southern Manitoba
Manitobans are in cleanup mode after intense winds barreled through southern parts of the province this weekend.
Pierson Pumpkin Patch, located southwest of Pierson, Man., said in a Facebook post it’ll be closed this weekend after the wind destroyed their corn mazes.
“We will decide about the rest of the season after clean up,” it wrote in the post.
Damage after severe winds rocked Pierson Pumpkin Patch. Uploaded Oct. 5, 2024. (Pierson Pumpkin Patch/Facebook)
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), southwestern Manitoba got hit the hardest. Brandon, Man., saw wind gusts of 94 kilometres per hour, while Deerwood, Man., reported gusts of 93 km/h.
“The winds were pretty widespread, but the damaging winds were in that area,” ECCC meteorologist Shannon Moodie told CTV News.
Near Melita, Man., the wind tore off the roof of Medora School, a historic site last operated in the 1970s.
The wind tore off part of the roof of Medora School near Melita, Man. Uploaded on Oct. 5, 2024. (Aaron Vanbeselaere/Facebook)
A large tree fell on a playground in Winnipeg's Ridley Park Sunday, damaging the structure. Those who live in the area told CTV News no one was injured, but they were told by the city that the debris wouldn't be cleared for weeks.
"It's disappointing to say the least," Matt Smith, an area resident, said. "I know we had a major wind storm, I know that it was tough, but I expect when you call in to say that there's a major tree that's fallen on a play structure in a park that's populated by kids, you would have a better answer and you'd have them come out and take a look a little bit quicker."
In River Heights, the wind knocked down multiple power lines, causing major outages for Manitoba Hydro customers.
On Sunday, some people were still in the dark. In a post on X, the Crown corporation said crews were working to restore power but there was no estimate for when things would be back up and running.
“We understand many of you have been without power for an extended time and that it's uncomfortable,” Manitoba Hydro wrote in another post. "Know we are working as quickly (and) as safely as possible to restore your service. Your patience is appreciated."
In an interview with CTV News, Manitoba Hydro media relations officer Peter Chura said additional staff have been called in to help with repairs.
"We had calls that include downed power lines, trees on lines, pole damage, pole fires," Chura said. "So a lot of those take some time to work through."
Chura added that the Crown corporation hopes to restore power to most of its customers by Sunday evening, but some people should be prepared for extended outages.
"We appreciate your patience for sure," Chura said. "There are difficulties in getting to all of these different power outages and all the damage that needs to be repaired, and our priority is to do it as safely and as quickly as possible."
Future forecast
While some parts of southern Manitoba could see some more wind Sunday, Moodie said it won't be anything like the day before.
"The system was very fast moving, and it's now moved into Ontario. So with that, the winds have have died down," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm off Mexico and threatens Florida, forecasters say.
A woman was recently diagnosed with scurvy. Here are the factors tied to the disease
Scurvy is not just an archaic diagnosis of 18th-century seafarers and doctors should be on the lookout for possible cases, according to researchers following a recent case.
Alleged suicide kit salesman files in Supreme Court to contest whether assisted suicide can ever be murder
Lawyers representing the Ontario man accused of selling hundreds of suicide kits with deadly effect around the globe have filed to intervene in a case in Canada’s highest court, arguing there is no way he can be charged with murder under Canadian law.
U.K. doctor admits trying to kill his mother's partner with poison disguised as a COVID-19 vaccine
A British doctor on Monday admitted trying to kill his mother's long-term partner, who stood between him and an inheritance, by injecting the man with poison disguised as a COVID-19 vaccine.
Canadian leaders, demonstrators hold events on anniversary of Oct. 7 attack
Ceremonies, events and protests are being held across Canada today to mark the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
LeBron and Bronny James become first father-son duo to play together on an NBA team
During the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron and Bronny James became the first father/son duo to play together on an NBA team.
Man arrested after stealing Vancouver police cruiser, driving it into neighbourhood park
A man stole a police car and drove it onto the field of an East Vancouver park Sunday morning, placing 'dozens of bystanders in harm’s way,' according to police.
Lawyers for Madeleine McCann suspect seek acquittal in his German trial on unrelated sexual offence charges
Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offences.
Madonna's brother, Christopher Ciccone, dead at 63
Christopher Ciccone, a multihyphenate artist, dancer, designer and younger brother of Madonna, has died. He was 63.