Sandy Bay residents clean up after sudden storm damages homes, knocks out power

Trampolines were picked up by the wind and tossed across roads and into neighbouring yards. Fences were knocked down, windows were smashed and several homes had roof and exterior damage.

He said SaskPower restored power to the community at about 12:30 p.m. Friday, after residents had been without electricity overnight.

Underwood said no injuries had been reported and everyone was accounted for. He said some people had to be helped after being stranded by downed trees, while boaters in the Pelican Narrows area were found safe and brought back to shore.

“There were some close calls,” he said. “It’s a big mess right now.”

Claudia Bear, who lives in Sandy Bay, said the storm arrived with little warning shortly after she had finished making supper. She said she looked toward the lake behind her home and saw large waves, fast-rising wind and what she believed was a funnel forming over the water.

“Everything just went white, the power went out,” Bear said. “You couldn’t even see across our street.”

Bear said a trampoline from her yard was blown into a power pole and wrapped around the line. She said her satellite dish and Starlink equipment were also torn from the roof, and pieces of plywood and roofing material were scattered along the road.

“All my life living in Sandy Bay, that’s the first storm like that I’ve ever experienced,” she said. “It was quite scary.”

Underwood said Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation staff were assessing damage Friday and making temporary repairs, including covering damaged roofs and windows with tarps and other available materials. Food had also been ordered after the power outage caused spoilage in some homes.

He said residents were being asked to report damage to the administration office while crews worked to address the most urgent needs, particularly in homes with children.

“Everybody’s working extra hard right now,” Underwood said. “Everybody’s kind of just doing their best here to clean up.”

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Sandy Bay residents clean up after sudden storm damages homes, knocks out power

What's Trending