Severe storms fire up in Manitoba, prompting tornado warning
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado has been detected in southern Manitoba. Residents in the affected regions should be in their shelters.
A tornado warning has been issued in southern Manitoba as Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado.
In addition to potentially producing a tornado and intense winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are possible. See below for the details.
Current tornado warnings
R.M. of Macdonald incl. Brunkild Starbuck and La Salle
6:27 PM CDT: Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado. Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.
Tornado detection method: Radar
Tornado location: Over Brunkild
Motion: East at 20 km/h
Locations in the Path: Sanford, Brunkild and Osborne
Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.
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.
Thunderous start to the week
Another round of widespread thunderstorms are expected from B.C. and right across the Prairies to start out the work week on Monday.
The Interlake Region in Manitoba faces the potential for thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain and large hail as a low pressure system tracks through the area.
Additionally, a second cold front moving from Prince Albert, Sask., to areas just east of Calgary, Alta., could bring storm activity, with similar risks of heavy rainfall and hail development.
Beware of nighttime storms
A low tracking northward will steer storm clusters from Montana into the Dakotas, bringing storm activity to the extreme southern areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba by Monday night.
Heavy rain, large hail, and strong wind gusts will be the main threats once again.
Calgary could see 20 to 30 mm of rainfall between Monday night and Tuesday morning, adding to a month that has already received 100 mm — far exceeding the July average of 66 mm.
Other estimated totals:
Red Deer: 15-2 0mm
Lethbridge and Medicine Hat: 10-15 mm
Edmonton: 5–10 mm
Fort McMurray: less than 2 mm
While Tuesday will be a clearer day by comparison across the Prairies, there will still be pockets of severe weather between Alberta and Saskatchewan. Another severe storm possibility will stretch from southeastern Manitoba extending to Pickle Lake, Ont., as well.
Summer snow sneaks into Alberta's mountains
Meanwhile, the cooldown will be sufficient enough to start accumulating snow in the Rockies, particularly in elevations above 2,000 metres.
Temperatures are expected to be below normal across southern Alberta, with the lowest being 15°C below the usual number for this time of year.
The Jasper region and Icefields Parkway are likely targets, with snow forecast just 60 km west of Calgary in the higher elevations near Banff.
Travellers and outdoor workers in these areas should prepare for locally slippery conditions, with a reminder that summer snow in Alberta's mountains, while uncommon, is not unheard of.
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Ponding water and reduced visibility may have an impact on driving, particularly in areas where rain coincides with slippery mountain roads.
The majority of the rainfall is expected to end by Tuesday morning as the trough moves east.