High winds could raise water levels more than 5 feet around Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba

Strong winds could cause waves and high water levels along the southern basins of Lake Manitoba and areas around Lake Winnipeg beginning on Wednesday.

Affected areas include the western shoreline near Gimli, andVictoria Beach on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.

Northwest winds up to 55 km/h will develop Wednesday afternoon and last until early morning on Thursday, and could raise water levels by more than five feet, Manitoba's Hydrologic Forecast Centre advised.

Residents and property owners should watch out and take steps to protect themselves, the centre said.

Even without the wind, Lake Winnipeg has risen to its highest level since 1974. Manitoba Infrastructure said thelake is 717.5 feet above sea level, or 2.5 feet above the upper limit of Manitoba Hydro's recommended operating range.

The lake crested late last week but will take months to recede to its normal range, Manitoba Infrastructure said.

Several communities elsewhere in the province continue to be affected by high water levels due to recent storms.

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