Severe thunderstorms rumble through the Prairies, prompt tornado watches

If threatening weather approaches, take cover immediately (file photo)

Friday, June 7, 2013, 8:49 PM -

Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings were in effect across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as rain rumbles across the region, bringing hail and strong winds to some places.

On Friday, Environment Canada issued tornado watches for northern Alberta, including Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater, Smoky Lake, Leduc, Camrose and Tofield.

"While potentially dangerous, the types of funnel clouds likely to develop in Alberta would form out of weak thunderstorms, and are not likely to touch the ground," explains Monica Vaswani, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.

"That said, it's important to take all tornado watches and warnings seriously and head indoors until they are lifted."

In a statement released Friday, Environment Canada warned of wind gusts and hail that can damage property and cause injuries.

"Avoid driving through water on roads. Even shallow, fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away," the agency says.

No tornado watches or warnings have been issued in Saskatchewan, but some cells over the province have showed signs of rotation on the radar.

Visit the Alerts section of the website to keep on top of watches and warnings across the country.

Severe thunderstorm warnings issued on Friday