Thunderstorm warning for southern Manitoba Tuesday afternoon

While Winnipeg is still out of the affected area, places like Steinbach, Emerson, Niverville, and Richer are under a severe thunderstorm warning for the second time on Tuesday.

At 2:07 p.m. CDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-size hail and heavy rain.

As of 3:00 p.m. the areas surrounding Lorette, Ste. Anne, and La Broquerie have been added to the warning. Grand Beach and the surrounding area were also added.

This cluster of severe thunderstorms is currently located from Gardenton to Dominion City and is tracking to the north at 50 km/h.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.

Earlier this morning there were severe thunderstorm warnings as well as tornado warnings over southern Manitoba, although there have been no tornadoes confirmed.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro, Riley McDonald says, at the height of the large storm there were about 15,000 customers without power. He says, crews are working hard to repair lines and by 10:30 am, they were down to 10,000 customers still without hydro. As of 2:00 p.m. over 1,000 customers in Winnipeg are still without power.

Environment Canada urges people to remember that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. When thunder roars, go indoors.