News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

June 29, 2022

Province Issues High Wind Effect Alert for Major Lakes



Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is issuing a high wind effect warning starting June 30 for the south basin of Lake Manitoba.

The wind effect may also be significant on the south basins of Lake Winnipeg, Lake Winnipegosis and Dauphin Lake when coupled with the already high water levels.

A system is being monitored that could bring strong, sustained northwest winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour, causing water levels to rise up to five feet along the shoreline of Lake Manitoba. The impacted Lake Manitoba shoreline includes the areas starting at Oak Point and extending around the southern basin of the lake to a point near Langruth and portions of the north basin around the Narrows. 

Residents and property owners are advised to remain vigilant and take any necessary precautions. A map of the Manitoba Lake Wind Effect Forecast showing the affected areas is available at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/floodoutlook/forecast_centre/lakes/wind_alert/2022/manitoba_lakes_Jun_30_2022_WindAlertMap_12H.pdf.

Motorists should continue to exercise caution in affected areas and are strongly encouraged to plan their routes before travelling by checking www.manitoba511.ca or by calling 511. Motorists are reminded to stay off closed roads and not attempt to travel across inundated roads or damaged bridges.

Several communities throughout the province continue to be impacted by high water levels. Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support for response and recovery activities. Additionally, Manitoba EMO continues to work with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in supporting ISC-led response measures with First Nation communities.

Requests for flood mitigation assistance can be directed to the local authority. In case of an emergency, residents are advised to contact 911.

Manitoba Hydro has urged caution on and around rivers and lakes, especially near generating stations: https://hydro.mb.ca/articles/2022/05/manitoba_hydro_advises_extreme_caution_on_waterways.

The utility measures water levels and flows on waterways contributing to the provincial hydroelectric system and provides the latest forecast information at: https://hydro.mb.ca/corporate/facilities/water_levels/.

A complete list of flood warnings, watches and high water advisories is available in the daily flood reports found at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/index.html.

Private well owners are reminded to test their wells to determine if they need to take steps to improve water quality and address potentially harmful bacteria. Testing is recommended at least once a year after the spring run-off or after overland flooding. For further details on water testing, visit https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/spring_outlook/wellwater_safety_factsheet.pdf.

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