A powerful low-pressure system swept across southern Manitoba on May 14, bringing historically strong winds, widespread blowing dust and dangerous fire conditions that kept emergency crews busy across the region.
Environment Canada issued a rare dust warning as severe winds reduced visibility and created hazardous driving conditions throughout southern Manitoba.
“A strong low-pressure system caused severe winds in southern Manitoba on Thursday. The severe winds caused power outages, tree damage and reduced visibilities in blowing dust,” Environment Canada stated in a weather summary released Friday morning.
According to Environment Canada, Deloraine recorded the province’s strongest wind gust at 119 kilometres per hour. Minto reached 113 km/h, while Brandon recorded gusts of 106 km/h. Communities in the Interlake experienced wind gusts ranging from 70 to 90 km/h.
The weather event caused power outages, damaged trees and increased the risk of rapidly spreading fires due to extremely dry conditions across the southern Prairies.
Fire departments throughout the Interlake responded to multiple incidents overnight as the winds intensified fire risks and downed hydro lines sparked grass and brush fires.
The Woodlands Fire Department responded to five separate incidents between the night of May 14 and the early morning hours of May 15, including providing mutual aid to the Portage la Prairie Fire Department. Officials said some of the incidents were either caused or worsened by the extreme winds and downed power lines.
Fire crews from Stonewall, Rockwood, Rosser, Stony Mountain and Teulon were also called out to battle fires and assist neighbouring departments where needed.
While Rosser firefighters were responding to a fire caused by a tree falling onto hydro lines, crews received another emergency call in the Rockwood area. Rosser remained on scene to assist Rockwood firefighters until approximately 3 a.m. The fire that was southwest of Stonewall, believed to have been caused by hydro lines, quickly escalated into a crown fire due to the high winds. Crown fires spread rapidly through the tops of trees and are considered among the most dangerous types of wildfires because strong winds can push flames from treetop to treetop.
Fire officials across the region are urging residents to use extreme caution as dry conditions continue. Although no official burn ban has been issued in many areas, departments are advising residents to avoid outdoor burning, including the use of burn barrels.
Emergency officials also reminded residents that simple actions, such as discarding cigarette butts from vehicles, can quickly lead to serious fires under current conditions. They are encouraging the public to report fires and emergencies immediately.
The unsettled weather pattern continued through the May long weekend, with a mix of sun, cloud, showers and cooler temperatures.
Environment Canada said a cold front moved through the province Friday, allowing a cold Arctic air mass to push southward. Daytime highs fell to around 4 C in some areas, with the possibility of rain mixed with snow expected early next week.
