Strong winds whip through southern Manitoba

ECCC issued a wind warning for parts of southern Manitoba on Mar. 15, 2025. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Hold onto your hats.

It was a windy start to the weekend in parts of southern Manitoba.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a wind warning for several rural municipalities on Saturday morning. The alert was lifted by early afternoon.

ECCC warned strong winds gusting up to 90 km/h are expected in areas including Steinbach, Niverville, Winkler, Morden, Altona and Emerson.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur,” ECCC wrote in an online alert. “Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”

The weather agency cautioned motorists, especially in ‘high profile vehicles’ like semi-trailers, could see hazardous driving conditions on highways with strong cross winds.

Meantime, the northeast corner of the province is under a heavy snowfall warning Saturday.

ECCC said Thompson, Gillam, Red Sucker Lake, Shamattawa, and York could see 15 to 25 centimetres of snow by Sunday.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” ECCC wrote.

The weather agency advises motorists to drive to the road conditions.