Thousands lose power in Western Manitoba as Hydro warns storm, gusts caused 'significant' damage

Manitoba Hydro crews were working to bring back electricity to thousands of homes thatlost power due to Saturday's storm in Western Manitoba, as high winds continued to cause trouble for the restoration efforts.

The outage knocked out the power of thousands of homes in the southwest. Manitoba Hydro said on social media Sunday evening that prolonged outages are expected to affect customers in Brandon andKillarney as well asDauphin, Swan River, Neepawa, Russell, Virden and thePortage la Prairie region.

"Despite our efforts the damage from the storm and high winds is significant and widespread," the utility posted shortly before 7 p.m. "Customers should plan to be without power overnight."

Meanwhile, an Environment Canada strong wind warning was still in effect for the region Sunday. The federal agency says gusts were expected to hit upwards of 90 kilometres per hour on the afternoon, though the speed would diminish in the evening.

"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage," Environment Canada said.

The strong wind warning is in effect for the following areas:

• Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne
• Dauphin - Russell - Roblin - Winnipegosis
• Killarney - Pilot Mound - Manitou
• Melita - Boissevain - Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
• Minnedosa - Riding Mountain National Park
• Ste. Rose - McCreary - Alonsa - Gladstone
• Virden - Souris
• York

Highway 9, from Highway 27 to 1.5 kilometres north of Highway 101, near East St. Paul,was closed after 6 p.m. due to a downed power line.