PembinaValleyOnline News

A complex of, at times, severe thunderstorms thundered across much of Southern Manitoba during the early morning hours of Saturday. Where more significant storm cells tracked, significant rainfall was reported in some locations in Western Manitoba, as well as the Pembina Valley. According to Environment Canada, very strong wind gusts were also part of the system, with a report of wind gusts of 117 km/h near McAuley and 90 km/h at Brandon.

If you like your Summer-time weather hot and humid, then the weekend forecast will be checking all the boxes for you.

"A strong ridge of high pressure has been building over the Prairies the last several days, and that's allowing a hot and muggy airmass to move northward out the U.S. in time for the weekend," said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. "We've felt a little bit of that heat and humidity this week, but it really arrives in our region Friday through Sunday."

Just how sticky will it get? Read on below to find out.

A 23 year old Winkler male, and 19 year old Winkler female are both facing multiple drug and weapon related charges after being arrested at the conclusion of a cocaine trafficking investigation by Winkler Police Service, which included assistance from Morden Police Service.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. July 8th, officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 14 in the R.M. of Stanley. Both the male and female were arrested, and a search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of cash, and a plastic bag with 24 unknown pills.

British conductor and composer Bramwell Tovey, OC OM has died at the age of 69. 

Named "one of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world" by MusicalAmerica.com, Tovey most recently served as the Principal Conductor of the B.B.C. Concert Orchestra, based in London, U.K. While also working as the Artistic Advisor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

It's been a busy two weeks for members of the Morden Police Service. 
    
Speeding was one of the top two infractions during this time with over $1,400 in fines doled out over four tickets - all for driving over the 100 km/h posted speed limit. 
    
Tying for top infraction was failing to move over and reduce to proper speed while passing an emergency vehicle in which four tickets were handed out, each with a fine of $298.
    

The Winkler Police Service is drawing attention to a trio of impaired driving-related incidents that took place over the Canada Day long weekend. 
    
Police report on July 1st, that a 44-year-old woman was charged with Driving While Impaired after going through a red light at the intersection of Highway 14 and 1st Street, colliding with another vehicle. While speaking to the woman, police noted that she had recently consumed alcohol. Two breath samples resulted in readings almost three times the legal limit. 

After an unsettled weekend for parts of Southern Manitoba, which included severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for a number of regions, CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner is pointing to a quieter week ahead. 

Police are looking for the public's help in identifying a suspect they believe is connected to a string of thefts from vehicles that took place this past week in Altona.

The Altona Police Service reports a number of theft complaints filtered into the office on Thursday. According to the reports, suspects had entered unlocked vehicles in the community overnight. It was during these occurrences that one victim had their wallet stolen. Police say the credit card inside that wallet was later used to make purchases from several businesses in Winkler.

It was a stormy late afternoon and evening Wednesday for parts of Southern Manitoba as a weak low pressure system moved through the province, kicking off storm development which reached severe criteria in a number of regions. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued at points for the Municipalities of Pembina, Louise, Dufferin, Grey, MacDonald and Morris. Winnipeg was also under a warning at one point, as well as areas of southeastern Manitoba including the Vita, Buffalo Point, Piney and parts of the Whiteshell.

Two rounds of shower activity rolled through the Pembina and Red River Valleys Monday.

“Rain during the early morning hours Monday was followed up by showers and a few thunderstorms in the afternoon,” said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. “After a relatively quiet week heading into Canada Day long weekend, we’re entering a more active pattern, but that will be later in the week. We’re expecting sunnier and drier conditions for a day or two.”