Tornado warning issued in southern Manitoba as severe storms fire up
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado has been detected in southern Manitoba. Residents in the affected region should be in their shelters.
A tornado warning has been issued in southern Manitoba 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.
Current tornado warnings
R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
8:45 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.
Location: Near Rochelle
Motion: Moving east at 20 km/h
This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
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.
Thunderstorm risk continues for southern Manitoba Wednesday, shifts to Alberta Thursday
The slow-moving low pressure system over Manitoba on Wednesday will maintain the risk of severe thunderstorms through the afternoon. While conditions aren't as volatile as Tuesday, there is still a threat of large hail and strong winds.
Disorganized storms are expected to develop in south-central Manitoba by early afternoon, intensifying by late afternoon and evening. Overnight, heavy rain and frequent lightning are likely as the storms move east of Winnipeg into northwestern Ontario.
DON'T MISS: Funnel cloud vs. tornado - what's the difference?
In southern Saskatchewan, the interaction between the surface low and an upper-level low may increase atmospheric spin, creating a chance for funnel clouds or even a landspout on Wednesday. In Alberta, non-severe thunderstorms are possible in the Rockies and foothills.
By Thursday, thunderstorm activity will become more widespread in the province as an upper-level trough moves in and a surface low forms east of the Rockies, providing the necessary trigger.
Most storms are expected to remain non-severe as conditions are less favourable for intense storm development.