Strong winds leave path of destruction in parts of southwestern Manitoba

The roof of an old school came crashing down after intense wind gusts in Medora, Man., on Feb. 28, 2025. (Mandy Boyer)

Some Manitobans had to hold onto their hats as intense winds blew through parts of the province.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), some areas saw wind gusts reach 85 kilometres per hour, while others saw winds that surpassed 90 km/h.

Friday’s strong winds were a result of a low pressure system that brought snow to central Manitoba on Thursday.

Those winds wreaked havoc on local landmarks, including the Big Easel in Altona, Man.

According to a post on social media, an eight-foot square panel blew right off the bottom corner of the painting.

“We’ve recovered the panel and are monitoring for any further damage,” the Town of Altona said in its post Friday morning. At the time, the town also warned people to avoid the area.

ECCC said Altona saw wind gusts of up to 94 km/h.

The highest gusts were recorded in Dand, Man., northwest of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, at 100 km/h.

Southwest of Dand, in Medora, Man., a portion of a roof blew off an old school and landed in the middle of the road.

As Manitobans pick up the pieces, ECCC said these types of winds are normal during a low pressure system.

“I wouldn’t say that this is anything out of the ordinary,” said ECCC meteorologist Shannon Moodie. “It’s certainly significant winds and definitely unpleasant, but it happens when we get strong systems moving through the Prairies.”