Tornado watches issued in Saskatchewan, Manitoba amid severe storm threat
Residents across parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are advised to monitor the forecast closely as severe weather, including the potential for a tornado, is expected to continue through late Wednesday evening. Check back regularly for updates.
A threat for severe storms on the southern Prairies popped up Wednesday afternoon, prompting tornado watches in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Storms capable of producing heavy rain, strong winds and large hail target parts of southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The threat for tornadoes will persist into the late-evening hours on Wednesday.
Our environment in Saskatchewan and Manitoba could support strong, potentially violent tornadoes if a storm can break through the CAP, according to Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
Current tornado watches
Saskatchewan
MOOSOMIN - GRENFELL - KIPLING - WAWOTA
CARLYLE - OXBOW - CARNDUFF - BIENFAIT - STOUGHTON
YORKTON - MELVILLE - ESTERHAZY
Manitoba
MELITA - BOISSEVAIN - TURTLE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK
VIRDEN - SOURIS
MINNEDOSA - RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.
2:46 PM MDT: Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.
A low over Montana is bringing moisture and heat over southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba, so there is a high potential for tornadoes, significant hail, strong winds and torrential precipitation this evening. Thunderstorms should start late this afternoon and continue throughout the evening, and taper off late this evening.
This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.
Wednesday overnight: Threat for severe, nocturnal storms continues in Saskatchewan and Manitoba
These storms are expected to continue into the overnight hours, extending the severe weather risk across Saskatchewan and Manitoba into early Thursday morning.
Thunderstorms that triggered on Wednesday evening are expected to continue overnight into early Thursday morning.
Storms will track east into southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg and the Interlake region, potentially bringing large hail of two to three centimetres in size, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
Thursday: Heavy rain and severe storm risk shifts eastwards
On Thursday, a large, organized low-pressure system will take shape over northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, bringing a mix of widespread rain and severe weather risks.
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Northern regions will experience steady rainfall, while southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario face the potential for severe storms along the system’s cold front. Areas near Winnipeg and Kenora, Ont., may be impacted by these stronger storms. Damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours are possible.
Cooler air will sweep into the western Prairies on the backside of the low pressure system. In Regina, Sask., temperatures are expected to drop sharply from 32°C on Wednesday to 23°C by Thursday.
Be sure to check back for the latest updates across the Prairies.