Major Winter Storm Slams Northern Manitoba Regions

A significant winter storm has impacted northern Manitoba, leading to warnings and disruptions in various communities. Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning indicating that areas could receive more than 30 centimeters of snow, particularly affecting regions from Flin Flon to Thompson.
Details of the Winter Storm
The storm began early Monday, with snow accumulation forecasted as follows:
- Areas of Flin Flon to Thompson: over 30 cm expected
- Wabowden and Pukatawagan: 20+ cm anticipated
- Lynn Lake: 5-10 cm expected
- General snowfall across other areas: 10-25 cm
Impact on Communities
Residents expressed concerns about the challenging conditions. Stuart McDowell from The Pas noted, “It’s wet, heavy snow,” affecting mobility and causing numerous downed trees and branches.
Utility services have also been disrupted. Manitoba Hydro reported significant challenges, with broken power poles due to heavy snow affecting around 11,000 customers in eastern, northern, and western Manitoba.
Travel Warnings and Road Closures
With northerly winds gusting between 50 and 60 km/h, visibility has dropped significantly due to blowing snow. Environment Canada has advised against travel in affected areas. Key road closures include:
- Highway 391: Closed from Leaf Rapids to Nelson House
- Highway 280: Closed from Thompson to Split Lake
Territorial Challenges
Elissa Bogdan, co-owner of Wekusko Falls Lodge, highlighted the need for extensive tree clearing for roads to reopen. Residents have also experienced power outages, and Snow Lake’s water treatment plant faced issues due to a fuel shortage for its generator.
Power restoration efforts are ongoing, but due to the widespread damage, substantial delays are expected. Manitoba Hydro’s spokesperson emphasized prioritizing repairs that would restore service to the largest number of customers.
Looking Ahead
Despite the negative impact, some residents found a silver lining in the storm. Bogdan acknowledged the necessity of moisture after a dry summer, stating, “We really needed the moisture.” While the storm caused damage, it also provided essential water for the region.