Flash flooding, sporadic power outages across the province

Environment Canada said a line of severe thunderstorms from the Whiteshell, south to the U.S. border and west to Morden, travelled at about 70 kilometres per hour. (Photo courtesy Catherine Holmen)

A powerful evening storm caused flash flooding, damage, and hydro outages across the province on Saturday.

Just west of Gimli, in Fraserwood, water flooded the streets.

A church in Holland, 140 kilometres west of Winnipeg, caught fire. Residents say it may have been caused by a lightning strike.

Earlier in the day Manitoba Hydro responded to major power outages affecting thousands in Brandon, Winkler and Grand Marais, all of which cleared by 8:00 p.m. Saturday.

In Winnipeg, the sky turned black around 8:00 p.m.

Environment Canada said a line of severe thunderstorms from the Whiteshell, south to the U.S. border and west to Morden, travelled at about 70 kilometres per hour.

In Winnipeg’s west, wind gusts were reported at 100 kilometres per hour.

Manitoba Hydro said they are dealing with sporadic outages across southern Manitoba.

The storm is now near Falcon Lake, about 150 kilometres east of Winnipeg, with reports of some outages there.

Manitoba Hydro said that crews are having difficulty accessing the lines due to soggy ditches.