Severe storm, supercell risk spikes on the Prairies on Saturday
Remain alert for severe weather watches and warnings to kick off your weekend in southern Saskatchewan
Severe thunderstorms are likely across the southeastern Prairies on Saturday as a dynamic setup swings across the region.
Large hail, strong wind gusts, potential tornadoes, and localized flooding will be possible as thunderstorms bubble up across the region
Severe weather threat builds on Saturday
Forecasters are closely monitoring a very favourable setup for severe thunderstorms across southern portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the day Saturday.
This environment includes high storm energy, ample moisture, strong winds aloft, and a trigger to kick off the development of thunderstorms.
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Storms that bubble up on Saturday afternoon will encounter favourable dynamics to quickly turn severe, potentially growing into supercells capable of producing large hail and strong, potentially damaging, wind gusts. A threat for tornadoes can’t be ruled out at this time.
Residents in impacted areas are urged to keep cell phones charged ahead of the storm in case of any power disruptions or outages to receive weather alerts (click here to see how to turn on alert notifications from The Weather Network app).
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The highest impacts are expected in south-central and southeastern Saskatchewan, including Regina and surrounding communities.
Forecasters have high confidence in the setup and potential impacts of any storms that form. However, there’s lower confidence in the exact locations that’ll feel impacts from those storms.
Difference between a tornado watch and warning. (The Weather Network)
Stay tuned through the day Friday and into Saturday as meteorologists fine-tune the forecast. Take some time to ensure you have emergency supplies and a plan in place in case severe weather threatens your location.
For tips on what to do in case a tornado warning is issued, click here.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Saskatchewan.