Severe storms fire up in Saskatchewan, prompting a tornado warning
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado has been detected in southern Saskatchewan. Residents in the affected region should be in their shelters.
A tornado warning has been issued in southern Saskatchewan as meteorologists with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are tracking a thunderstorm that is potentially 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.
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 warnings
R.M. of Douglas including Speers Richard and Alticane
The Battlefords
R.M. of North Battleford northwest of The Battlefords
6:42 PM CST: 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.
This severe thunderstorm is located 15 kilometres northeast of Brada, moving east at 40 km/h.
Hazard: Tennis ball-sized hail and 115 km/h wind gusts. A tornado is also possible. North Battleford reported gusts at 113 km/h.
Locations impacted include: Richard.
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: Severe storm threat lasts through the overnight
The Prairies are set for an active severe thunderstorm environment Wednesday afternoon through the overnight hours, with several areas at an elevated risk.
West of Calgary, Alta., conditions favour the development of a few supercells, tracking eastward toward Saskatoon, Sask. Elevated thunderstorms in these areas could produce hail ranging from 2 to 4 cm in size -- equivalent to Loonie- to golf-ball-sized). Southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba may also see supercell development later in the day.
A low pressure system interacting with higher wind shear and elevated CAPE levels will enhance the chances for strong storms. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary hazards, but there is also a heightened risk of rotating supercells in this environment.
The tornado risk remains low, but it is not entirely ruled out. The uncertainty stems from a warm air inversion, or "CAP," in the atmosphere. This CAP could inhibit storm development, though some models suggest pockets where the CAP may break, leading to a sharp increase in severe storm potential during the evening.
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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.