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A water main break at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant has caused major flooding, road closures, water quality concerns and power outages in north Winnipeg, all as dangerously cold weather grips the region.
Flooding shuts down major intersection
According to the City of Winnipeg, the incident happened around 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, while crews were installing new underground piping at the treatment plant.
The water main was damaged, sending water pouring onto Main Street and causing severe flooding between Seaforth Avenue and Chief Peguis Trail.
By 4:50 p.m., the city had closed Main Street in both directions along that stretch. The Winnipeg Traffic Management Centre warned of large delays in all directions and urged drivers to avoid the area.
Discoloured water warning issued
The city has also issued a water quality advisory for residents in north Winnipeg.
The water main break caused a shift in water flow, which can stir up sediment inside the pipes. As a result, residents are being asked to check for discoloured water before using it for drinking, cooking, laundry or other tasks requiring clean water.
To test your water, the city advises turning on a cold water tap, preferably a bathtub tap, and letting it run for several minutes.
Then, collect a sample in a light-coloured cup. If the water appears discoloured, turn off the tap, wait 30 minutes and try again. Avoid using hot water taps, as that could draw sediment into your hot water tank.
Deep freeze complicates response
The flood is unfolding during an extreme cold snap, with temperatures near -23 C and wind chills close to -36. Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning for the region, with wind chill values dipping below -40.
“Dangerous wind chills of -40 or lower continue to spread east across the Prairies,” the agency said. “Improvement will slowly spread from west to east over the weekend, followed by significantly warmer weather early next week.”
Find more details on the Jani King weather page.
With water pooling on the roads, city officials say the freezing temperatures are worsening conditions for motorists and response crews.
Video posted to social media shows vehicles attempting to drive through the icy water, with steam rising as it hits the cold air.
Power outage affects over 1,200 customers
Manitoba Hydro has reported a power outage in the area as of 5:10 p.m., affecting 1,245 customers.
The outage is under initial assessment, with service estimated to be restored by 9 p.m.
City continues repair and cleanup
Public works crews remain on-site assessing the extent of the water main damage and working to control the flooding.
“We continue to work on remediating the impacts of the water main break and roadway flooding,” the city said Thursday evening. “Main Street remains closed in both directions between Seaforth Avenue and Chief Peguis Trail.”
Further updates are expected as crews work to restore service and clear the flooded roadways.
