🌪️ Manitoba Storm Brings Destruction, Power Outages, and Tornado Damage

A massive 600‑kilometre storm system that blasted into Manitoba overnight has left a trail of destruction across the province — from power outages and hail to flooding, tornado damage, and washed‑out roads.

⚡ Thousands Without Power After Violent Winds

Manitoba Hydro says thousands of customers lost electricity as winds topping 129 km/h snapped poles and tore down power lines across the southwest. Crews worked through the night, but some homes and businesses remain without power this morning.

🌬️ Derecho Conditions Sweep Across Southwest Manitoba

Some residents described the storm as a dust storm, but meteorologists say the event meets the criteria of a derecho — a long‑lasting, fast‑moving windstorm caused by a line of severe thunderstorms. The system carved a path hundreds of kilometres long, knocking down trees, damaging buildings, and hitting communities from Deloraine to Killarney especially hard.

👉 See if your community made the list of windiest spots here.

🌧️ Winnipeg Hammered by Hail and Flooding

Winnipeg took some of the storm’s worst impacts, with golf‑ball‑sized hail, street flooding, and widespread property damage. Multiple outlets reported smashed windows, dented vehicles, and overwhelmed drainage systems as the storm pushed north.

🌪️ Tornado Confirmed Near St. Anne

Environment and Climate Change Canada has confirmed a tornado touchdown near St. Anne, part of a system that dumped up to 225 mm of rain in some areas. ECCC is still investigating additional tornado reports as damage assessments continue.

🌊 Flooding Continues in Western Manitoba

Floodwaters are still disrupting travel and farm operations in the Swan Valley, where washed‑out roads and saturated fields are slowing recovery. Officials warn that more rain could extend local states of emergency.

🚦 New Safety Measures Coming to Highway 110 Intersection

The province is installing temporary four‑way stop controls, rumble strips, and digital warning signs at Highway 110 and Richmond Avenue East. The upgrades follow two fatal crashes, including a May 27 collision that resulted in dangerous driving causing death charges.

👮 IIU Charges Brandon Police Officer After Investigation

Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit says a Brandon police officer will be charged with assault following an incident involving a male youth who was tasered at a local high school. Neither the IIU nor Brandon Police will comment further, as the matter is now before the courts.

💰 Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate Steady

Brandon council will consider creating a formal Indigenous naming policy after approving two Dakota names for natural areas along the riverbank. The policy would guide future consultation with First Nation and Métis communities.

🟢 Missing Teen Found Safe

Brandon Police say 14‑year‑old Jazlynn McKay, reported missing after the Summer Fair, has been found safe. Police thank the public for their help.

🚗 Manitobans Asked to Vote on New Park Licence Plate

The province is inviting residents to vote on a new provincial park licence plate design. Proceeds will support park upgrades and conservation projects.

⛏️ Premier Says Manitoba Poised for Resource Expansion

Premier Wab Kinew says Manitoba has strong potential to grow production of potash, nickel, critical minerals, and naturally occurring hydrogen. He says updated regulations could help attract new investment.

🐝 Downtown Brandon Launches Bumblebee Art Trail

Thirty hand‑painted bumblebee murals are appearing across downtown as part of the Buzz Around Downtown project. The interactive scavenger hunt launches ahead of Pollinator Week 2026.

🎭 Mecca Productions Celebrates 25 Years

Brandon’s Mecca Productions marks its 25th anniversary with a gala at the WMCA, featuring a 90‑minute showcase of past performers. The theatre company has grown from one after‑school class to a full performing‑arts hub.

🛒 Retailers Still Confused Over July 1 PST Cut

With the PST cut on snacks and ready‑to‑eat foods set for July 1, retailers say they still don’t know which items will actually become tax‑free. A three‑page provincial guide has raised more questions than answers — and stores may face added costs to update their point‑of‑sale systems.