Multiple communities, including Winnipeg and Brandon, are now under a yellow warning for a dust storm. “Strong westerly winds are causing reduced visibilities in blowing dust this afternoon,” the warning reads. “Blowing dust is expected for most of the day until winds abate late this evening.” Environment and Climate Change Canada said travel will likely be hazardous in some locations and visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at homes. Poor air quality is also expected. Drivers are being advised to turn their lights on, slow down and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. This comes as parts of Manitoba remain under wind and freezing rain warnings on Thursday. Winter weather in spring Though we are just weeks away from the start of summer, parts of Manitoba are still seeing winterlike conditions. ECCC issued a winter storm warning for parts of northern Manitoba, including Churchill, Brochet and Tadoule Lake. According to the weather agency, freezing rain will develop in these areas on Thursday morning and transition to snow by the evening. ECCC warns that up to five millimetres of freezing rain and 10 to 15 centimetres of snow are expected. The snowy conditions should clear up by Friday morning. Other parts of northern Manitoba, including Thompson, Gillam and Leaf Rapids, are under freezing rain warnings. ECCC explains a spring system is expected to bring moderate rainfall to these areas, with 10 to 20 millimetres of precipitation expected on Thursday. However, as temperatures drop on Thursday night, precipitation will change to freezing rain. Two to five millimetres of freezing rain is expected. By Friday evening, precipitation is expected to transition to snow with a forecast of a few centimetres. The weather agency warns of the possibility of utility outages and urges residents to be careful when driving or walking. Windy weather in southwest Manitoba Along with the wintry weather, ECCC is forecasting windy conditions for southwestern Manitoba on Thursday. The weather agency issued a wind warning for several communities, including Winnipeg and Brandon, saying it expects southerly and westerly winds between 70 and 90 km/h on Thursday. ECCC notes the windy weather is being brought on by a low-pressure system over central Saskatchewan, adding that dry areas may see restricted visibility from blowing dust. The wind may cause local outages and damage to roofs, fences, trees or vehicles. Residents are encouraged to secure loose objects. Some Manitobans have noticed what appears to be dirty or dusty rain — droplets leaving muddy, speckled marks on cars and surfaces. An ECCC spokesperson says the phenomenon comes down to the timing of wind and rain. With vehicles and the landscape already coated in dust from strong winds, even light rainfall can leave behind visible splattering. “If it rains on that, it’s going to leave raindrop marks, unless it’s a big, heavy rain and everything gets washed away,” the spokesperson explained. Alternatively, the spokesperson said dust may have blown in after initial rainfall and settled as things dried. Winds causing outages Manitoba Hydro is reporting several outages related to the windy weather. According to social media posts, crews are on site in Wasagaming and Marchand as they work to restore power to hundreds of customers. The Crown corporation is also responding to numerous outages in the Winnipegosis area as 2,500 customers deal with power loss. Hydro notes strong winds are creating challenges as crews deal with downed lines and fallen tree branches. Those in the area are urged to stay back and contact 911 if they see any downed power lines or trees.
