A resident in Winnipeg expressed shock at the extensive damage caused by a thunderstorm on Sunday night, which resulted in his car rolling into a neighboring yard. Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused power outages and tree damage in areas like Westwood and River Heights, according to Hydro representative Peter Chura.
During the storm, Darryl Gervais recounted how his Pontiac Vibe was blown over into a nearby lawn on Lindsay Street in River Heights. Gervais had just completed repairs on the vehicle and had left it for his son to use before the storm struck, leaving it with shattered windows, a crumpled roof, and scattered parts across the lawn.
Despite the vehicle destruction, Gervais was relieved that no injuries occurred, noting that had the car traveled a few meters further, it would have hit a house. He marveled at the wind’s power to lift a 3,000-pound vehicle, lamenting the sudden change in his vehicle’s condition.
Preliminary data from Environment Canada indicated wind speeds of 83 kilometers per hour in the city that night, with Winnipeg’s airport receiving 35 millimeters of rain and The Forks witnessing around 63 millimeters.
Robyn Canicula, another resident on Lindsay Street, described the storm’s impact on her family, forcing them to consider staying in a hotel as their home suffered damage just before the school year began. The neighborhood experienced widespread destruction, including fallen trees, downed power lines, and severed lines, heightening the sense of fear among residents.
Community support has been instrumental in the recovery process, with neighbors offering assistance in covering damaged roofs and providing emotional support. Despite Hydro’s efforts to restore power, approximately 4,000 customers were still without electricity, with extended outages expected due to the severity of the damage.
Hydro emphasized the danger of downed power lines and urged the public to report any such hazards. Moreover, the ongoing weather forecast indicated the possibility of more rain in southern Manitoba, with precautionary warnings issued to residents in affected areas.