The lights are slowly returning for customers throughout southern Manitoba, but Hydro cautions that it will continue to be a slow process. 37,000 customers remain without power in Manitoba as of 7:30 a.m.

The Central Plains and Interlake regions of Manitoba have been the hardest hit. The entire City of Portage la Prairie was without power at one point.

Over 5,000 customers in the city and another 3,300 remain without power in the RM Sunday morning.

Over 2,500 in the Gimli area are also without power.

Hydro says that damage to equipment in rural areas is much worse than originally thought. Repairs have been slowed for affected equipment because getting the materials to the areas has been hampered due to travel conditions.

Environment Canada says they haven't received official snow measurements in the Portage area but expect it to be around 70 centimetres.

Some power restoration has reportedly begun for the east side of Portage la Prairie.

As of 7:30 a.m., there are 2,225 customers still without power in the City of Winnipeg.

Small repairs take just as long

Hydro says that in Winnipeg much of the large equipment has been repaired. They are now beginning to work on smaller problems.

Hydro says that work takes just as long to complete as the bigger problems and only brings a few customers back on at a time so progress will appear to be slow.

The province has declared a state of emergency as a result of the storm and widespread power outages. Premier Brian Pallister says that Hydro made the request so they could have access to funds, more staff, and equipment.