Active AlertsMacGregor, MB

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.

A developing frontal system is forecast to move into southern Manitoba this afternoon, ushering in an unstable airmass ripe for the development of severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are expected to initiate around 4-5 pm local time over southwestern Manitoba and extreme southeastern Saskatchewan with the initial storms being discrete before growing into a large linear thunderstorm complex that will race eastward across southern Manitoba this evening. Discrete thunderstorm development is also possible later this afternoon over the Red River Valley.

All modes of severe weather are expected with tornadoes and large hail being the primary threat early on in discrete convection, then transitioning into a widespread wind threat early this evening with the linear thunderstorm complex that is forecast to develop.

Strong tornadoes are possible with any discrete storms that develop. Embedded tornadoes are also possible within the linear thunderstorm complex early this evening.

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Significant damage or destruction to infrastructure, homes and the natural environment is possible.

Tornado watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca, call 1-800-239-0484 or post reports on X using #MBStorm.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area: 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. Be prepared for severe weather. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take cover immediately. When out on the water, be prepared for severe weather. If threatening weather approaches make for shore and take shelter immediately. It is particularly dangerous to be on a small craft on the open water when lightning is occurring.

At 5:58 p.m. CDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging wind gusts, loonie to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.

Thunderstorm Location: Over Firdale

Motion: Moving northeast at 30 km/h

Hazards:
Wind: damaging (90 - 110 km/h)
Hail: loonie to ping pong ball size
Rain: heavy (15 - 50 mm)

Locations in the Path:
Firdale
Edrans
Helston
Mayfeld
Katrime
Gladstone

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Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. Large hail may cause significant damage and injury.

Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain.

Take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. Don't drive through flooded roadways.