5:01 PM CDT Saturday 11 May 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect for: R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h. At 5:00 PM CDT Doppler RADAR indicated that this severe thunderstorm was located near New Bothwell and was moving toward the southeast at 60 km/h. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm . Watches 3:02 PM CDT Saturday 11 May 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for: Steinbach - St. Adolphe - Emerson - Vita - Richer Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and this evening over parts of southern Manitoba. Threats: - wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h Thunderstorms will weaken and move out of the region this evening. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm . Statements 3:54 PM CDT Saturday 11 May 2024 Special Air Quality Statement in effect for: Steinbach - St. Adolphe - Emerson - Vita - Richer Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. A band of wildfire smoke is moving southwards through Manitoba. This band will bring 4 to 8 hours of poor air quality and reduced visibility as the smoke moves through. Conditions will improve Saturday evening through central Manitoba. The band of smoke will move into southern Manitoba through the evening hours. Conditions in the south will improve Sunday morning. Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone?s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season. Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke. If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable. Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms. Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke. Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode. If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit Wellness Together Canada . Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health
