Severe thunderstorms lash Manitoba with damaging winds, large hail

A powerful line of severe thunderstorms swept across Manitoba on Wednesday, leaving behind widespread wind damage and large hail as Environment and Climate Change Canada tracked two separate areas of severe weather.

The most significant weather developed in northern Manitoba. A particularly intense thunderstorm near Thompson prompted a tornado warning and produced large hail.

Farther south, a complex of thunderstorms moved across southwestern Manitoba and into the Red River Valley during the late afternoon and evening. The storms generated destructive wind gusts and large hail, with the most extensive impacts reported near Winnipeg and surrounding communities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said the storms produced a broad swath of damaging winds across southern Manitoba. The strongest official wind gust was recorded in Brandon at 133 km/h.

Other notable wind measurements included:

• Souris: 113 km/h

• Starbuck: 102 km/h

• Saint Adolphe: 100 km/h

• Oak Point Marine: 93 km/h

• Winnipeg: 91 km/h

• Reston: 89 km/h

• Cypress River: 84 km/h

• Holland: 84 km/h

• Treherne: 84 km/h

• Dugald: 81 km/h
  

Large hail was also reported in several communities. Residents near Thompson reported hail reaching the size of a loonie, while quarter-sized hail fell in Portage la Prairie and nickel-sized hail was reported at Oak Lake Beach.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said numerous reports of damage caused by severe winds were received from across southern Manitoba, particularly in and around the Winnipeg area.