Tornado watch issued in Saskatchewan amid severe storm threat
Residents across parts of Saskatchewan are advised to monitor the forecast closely as severe weather, including the potential for a tornado, is expected to continue into Monday evening. Check back regularly for updates.
A threat for severe storms in parts of Saskatchewan popped up Monday afternoon, prompting tornado watches. Storms capable of producing heavy rain, strong winds and large hail target parts of southern Saskatchewan. The threat for tornadoes will persist into the evening hours on Monday.
Current tornado watches
City of Saskatoon
Martensville - Warman - Rosthern - Delisle - Wakaw
12:26 PM CST: Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.
A broken line of thunderstorms currently north of Saskatoon has produced numerous funnel clouds early this afternoon. This line of thunderstorms will carry an elevated risk of landspout tornadoes for the next few hours.
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.
Potential for funnel clouds and severe storms on Monday
A large, upper level low is spinning along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border on Monday. Underneath it, unsettled weather swirls through the day.
Isolated, heavy showers or small hail is possible. Cold air in the upper atmosphere sinks, bringing the chance of funnel clouds.
Funnel clouds are not particularly dangerous. Funnel clouds can form in environments with thunderstorms and rotating columns of air. It is a cone or funnel-shaped condensation cloud that extends from a storm without reaching the surface.
Severe weather is possible east of the low where its warm fronts lift in an unstable air mass. A very narrow region of high CAPE, moderate shear and moisture is possible later in the afternoon.
Regions south and east of Saskatoon most at risk: Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton, Humboldt and south including Weyburn and Estevan. Thunderstorms triggered during this time may produce large hail and heavy rain.
However, there is a slight chance for a weak tornado. It is an uncertain forecast because the area of opportunity is so narrow and brief.
"These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado," warned Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on Monday.
Typically, funnel clouds alone are not dangerous. However, if they are able to extend to the surface, they would become a tornado. In that case, it could cause damage.
Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.
A non-severe thunderstorm risk is expected Tuesday on the southeast corner of the eastern Prairies as the low slowly tracks into Manitoba.
Thumbnail courtesy of Cindy Cairns.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for Saskatchewan.