Tornado victims survive destruction with alert system

Friday, August 19, 2016, 11:16 AM - It's been a long haul for a few Manitobans that were forced to start over after severe thunderstorms ripped through the province earlier this month.

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Staying positive about the situation, a family that faced significant damage to their home says they're just grateful for the Alert Ready warning system and the public outreach from the community that followed the devastation.

"I'm really thankful for the warning system because it really had us on our toes and told us what to do, what time the tornado may for, where, between what towns, so it was really helpful that the tornado warning came on TV."

Eric Mentuck was lucky. From his deck in Waywayseecappo First Nation he watched as the tornado formed and then traveled parallel to his property. 

Mentuck says he heeded the Alert Ready warnings that appeared on TV and had his young family wait out the event in their basement.

Several homes were damaged as the EF2 tornado swept through with one home completely lifted from its blocks and tossed about 100 yards down a hill. Fortunately, that homeowner was away at the time and continues to receive an overwhelming outpouring of support.

"We’d like to thank a lot of people, people that have just been pouring a lot of support of prayers and rebuilding," says Waywayseecappo Band Councillor Anthony Longclaws. "It's overwhelming to have that support from all of you people. Thank you."

The line of violent storms hit southern Manitoba on August 8 with at least two confirmed tornadoes reported.

A low pressure system moved from eastern Saskatchewan into the Parklands region of Manitoba triggering severe thunderstorms along the way. According to Environment Canada there were several reports of funnel clouds and moderate hail for areas southeast of Yorkton, Saskatchewan as well.

Three Manitoba families still remain displaced from the storms.

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