Strong winds on Prairies knock out power and rip roof off polling station

ELIE, Man. – Howling winds that exceeded forecasts knocked out power across parts of the Prairies, and even ripped the roof off an advance polling station in Manitoba.

The original wind warning for southern Saskatchewan on Sunday was wind at 60 km/h, gusting to 90.

But according to Environment Canada, gusts reached 110 km/h and even hit 120 km/h in Swift Current.

SaskPower spokesman Jonathan Tremblay says trees falling on lines caused outages for the Kenaston and Davidson areas, as well as in Weyburn.

In Elie, Manitoba, the advance poll at the Elie Veterans Hall had to be moved after strong winds on Sunday night blew the roof off.

Manitoba Hydro said Monday that they were working to restore power to several areas including in the Interlake region and beaches east of Lake Winnipeg.

Tree split due strong winds. Bartlet Ave. Winnipeg by Riverview HC. #mbstorm pic.twitter.com/4w6SK3yN1S

— P McCarthy (@wxdog) October 12, 2015