Thousands Still Without Power After Snowstorm in Northern Manitoba

Thousands of Manitobans spent Monday night in the dark as a powerful storm system swept across the province, leaving approximately 4,500 customers without electricity. The storm, which brought a mix of rain and snow, was particularly harsh in northern regions where the wet snow caused trees to buckle under the weight, snapping power lines and plunging entire neighborhoods into darkness.

For residents in areas like The Pas and Flin Flon, the storm arrived without warning. What started as rain quickly transformed into heavy, wet snow that clung to branches with surprising force. Trees that have stood for decades couldn't bear the sudden burden, crashing onto power lines and transformers throughout the day.

"It's been challenging," said Manitoba Hydro spokesperson Bruce Owen. "We're dealing with multiple simultaneous outages across a wide geographic area. The combination of rain turning to snow creates perfect conditions for tree-related damage."

The utility has dispatched additional crews to the hardest-hit regions, but progress has been slow due to the extent of the damage. In some remote communities, residents have been without power for over 24 hours, relying on generators and emergency shelters for warmth.

Local authorities have opened warming centers in affected areas, urging vulnerable residents to seek shelter. Schools and community centers have been transformed into temporary havens, offering hot meals, charging stations, and places to stay warm.

"We're concerned about our elderly neighbors," said Sarah Johnson, a resident of Thompson who lost power Monday morning. "It's not just about comfort - it's about safety when temperatures drop this low."

Manitoba Hydro expects the majority of outages to be resolved by Tuesday evening, though some remote areas may require additional time. Crews are working to prioritize critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services while systematically addressing residential outages.

As cleanup continues, many Manitobans are reflecting on the storm's unpredictable nature and the importance of community support during difficult times. The power company has set up a dedicated hotline for residents to report downed lines and get updates on restoration efforts.