Cumberland House Mayor Kelvin McKay stated a trampoline flew over a house and into a nearby yard. (submitted photo/Melanie Nabess)

By Derek Cornet

extreme weather

Severe wind and weather tears through Cumberland House

Jul 8, 2019 | 5:00 PM

“The only thing I can say is I’m just glad humanity is not in control of the weather.”

Those are the words of Cumberland House Mayor Kelvin McKay who witnessed a severe weather event occur in his community Sunday, which brought with it an 85 Kilometre per hour plow wind. He stated the day started just like any other before a large dark cloud rolled in south along the river around 3:30 p.m. While the storm was relatively short with brief periods of thunder and rain showers, McKay noted the wind damaged roof tops, trees and objects like trampolines.

He also added there’s significant damage to trees along Highway 123 about five kilometers from Cumberland House. Some trees are blown completely over, while others had the tops ripped off. McKay mentioned municipal employees are currently cleaning up debris and repairing a locally-owned business currently under development.

“Every once-in-a-while we have these … wind bursts or something like that, and this might be one that hit the town,” he said. “I don’t want to say tornadoes, but there’s something that ripped through along the highway tearing down great big trees.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Terri Lang confirmed a plow wind occurred, stating the 85-kilometer per hour reading was taken at the Cumberland House Forestry Station. She noted strong winds and loonie-sized hail was first reported at Tobin Lake, before she received reports Monday regarding damages in Cumberland House.

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When such severe weather events occur, Lang warned residents to take cover, adding trailers can be flipped and roofs are often ripped from decks. She also recommended motorists should leave their vehicle and enter a secure building.

Numerous trees are reported to have been knocked down by strong winds. (submitted photo/Shavonne Danielle)

“They should take the same precautions that they would during a tornado and that’s to get inside,” she said. “There’s probably not a lot of basements up there, but get into an interior room away from doors and windows. That’s where most of the damage is done.”

SaskPower also responded to a power outage in the community at approximately 7 p.m., but service was restored by 8:30 p.m.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno