Winnipeg roads flood, people trapped in cars as thunderstorms roll through Manitoba

A severe thunderstorm rolled through Manitoba Friday morning, producing high winds, hail, and trapping people in cars as Winnipeg’s streets flooded.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Winnipeg Friday, saying the city may experience strong winds, damaging hail and heavy rain.

WATCH: Erik Pindera has more on the storms and flooding in Winnipeg

1:23 Winnipeg roads flood, people trapped in cars as thunderstorms roll through Manitoba

“Thunderstorms are moving eastwards across southwestern Manitoba this morning. Some of these thunderstorms will likely be severe, capable of damaging hail, strong winds, and torrential rainfall.”

Rainfall rates in Winnipeg were up near 80 mm/hour, according to the University of Winnipeg Weather station Friday around 9 am.

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“The activity will move out of the region on Friday morning, but another round of severe thunderstorm activity will develop later in the day, potentially impacting far southeastern Saskatchewan into southern Manitoba.”

During and after the storm, there were numerous reports of roads flooding, sewer overflows on Route 90, small hail in Lindenwoods and south Winnipeg, and underpasses filling with water.

The city confirmed people became trapped in their cars as they tried to drive through flooded streets, including six who had to be extricated by firefighters..

“Residents are advised to drive with caution during and after heavy rainfall, and avoid flooded areas,” they said.

“Water and Waste crews are out responding to reports of plugged catch basins, sewer back-ups, and manhole covers off or ajar, but we won’t have a tally until later today.”

Later in the day the city reported 311 fielded over 250 calls in just over an hour about flooded catch basins, as well as sewer and drain issues.

By 1:30 p.m. the city said it had received 219 calls about plugged catch basins, 10 reports of missing manhole covers, 13 calls about sewer back-up — five of those with raw sewage — and 13 reports of damaged trees.

A Winnipeg Transit bus was flooded as they tried to drive through a puddle.

South of the city, hail the size of golf balls was reported.

The thunderstorm warning ended at 10:30 a.m. as the first line of storms rolled through, but a watch was re-issued at about 12:40 p.m. as more storms developed.

RCMP said a three-car crash at about 10:20 a.m at St. Mary’s and the Perimeter Highway knocked out traffic lights. There were minor injuries.

In the Grace Hospital parking lot, it appeared three vehicles were damaged after a tree fell on them. There was no word on any injuries.

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The City of Winnipeg said a two-storey house caught fire after a lightning strike at about 9:40 a.m. The house, on Red Spruce Road, caused “significant damage to the roof and attic,” said the City.

One person inside escaped and wasn’t hurt.

Hail was reported in several places around southern Manitoba.

Some more weather pictures and video from around the province: