**Title: Winter Storm Brings Heavy Snow to Northern Manitoba**

A significant winter storm is impacting northern Manitoba, with Environment Canada issuing a snowfall warning for the region. The storm is expected to deliver over 30 centimeters of snow in some areas, particularly along a line from Flin Flon to Thompson. Other regions under the warning may see snowfall amounts ranging from 10 to 25 centimeters. Wabowden and Pukatawagan are forecasted to receive more than 20 centimeters, while Lynn Lake is expected to get between 5 and 10 centimeters.

The storm is accompanied by strong northerly winds, gusting up to 60 kilometers per hour, which could lead to poor visibility due to blowing snow. As a result, highway closures are anticipated, and authorities are advising against travel in affected areas. Highway 391, from Leaf Rapids to Nelson House, has already been closed, along with Highway 280 from Thompson to Split Lake and Highway 6 from Thompson to Highway 39.

Residents who must travel are urged to prepare for rapidly changing conditions. They should carry an emergency kit and a mobile phone, and inform others of their travel plans to ensure help can be dispatched if necessary.

The heavy snowfall, combined with strong winds, poses a risk of damage to trees and structures. Stuart McDowell, a resident of The Pas, described the conditions, stating, "It’s wet, heavy snow. It’s just hard slugging … to get anywhere." He noted that many trees and branches have fallen in his area, although none have damaged his home.

Elissa Bogdan, co-owner of Wekusko Falls Lodge, reported that the storm has caused significant tree removal needs for road access. She recounted the experience of losing power and hearing trees crack during the storm, saying, "It was pretty easy to hear the trees starting to crack."

In Snow Lake, officials have asked residents to conserve water due to a fuel shortage for the generator powering the water treatment plant. The refueling truck is struggling to reach the site because of the heavy snowfall.

Power outages are widespread, affecting approximately 11,000 customers across eastern, northern, and western Manitoba. Manitoba Hydro spokesperson Peter Chura stated that wind, rain, and fallen trees have damaged power lines and equipment. He noted, "We have crews making their way from outage to outage but it will take time to find and make repairs in such a wide area."

Chura added that repairs will prioritize areas affecting the most customers, which may lead to extended outages throughout the day and into the night. Bogdan mentioned that Wekusko Falls Lodge has been without power since Sunday evening, and they are preparing for a prolonged outage. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the moisture, saying, "We were so dry all summer and we had a terrible fire season and we really needed the moisture."