Storms strengthen in Saskatchewan; Brief tornado warnings issued
Sunday, August 17, 2014, 5:58 PM -
EXTENDED ACTIVE WEATHER COVERAGE: Tune in to The Weather Network for live updates on the summer storms in your area. Our team of reporters and meteorologists in the field provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date coverage.
Funnel! via @Chaser_19: 2km southwest of Wakaw, SK right now #skstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/KT65CT7Ac5
— Greg Johnson (@canadogreg) August 17, 2014
Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings were widespread across southern Saskatchewan Sunday, where Environment Canada says there is a risk for dangerous winds, large hail (up to toonie size) and heavy downpours.
Forecasters are warning that some cells, particularly along the Manitoba and Saskatchewan border, could produce local amounts of 30-50 mm.
These storms are associated with the same system that spawned funnel clouds in Alberta Saturday.
The biggest threat from those severe storms will be heavy rain, thanks to potential training cells, which are a succession of storms one after the other along a line.
Skywatchers may spot weak funnel clouds, particularly over southeastern Saskatchewan, although forecasters say they won't be indicative of any supercells.
"These storms are expected to continue across Saskatchewan and Manitoba throughout Sunday evening," says Weather Network meteorologist Monica Vaswani.
More funnels! via @LaneDStock: #CMTTornadoHunters north of Dafoe, Sk. Thunder rolling. pic.twitter.com/AmjKzA30K4 @weathernetwork
— Greg Johnson (@canadogreg) August 17, 2014
TORNADO POTENTIAL
At 2:22 P.M. Environment Canada issued a TORNADO WARNING for the R.m. of Walpole inluding Kelso, R.M. of Maryfield including Maryfield and Fairlight, and the R.M. of Antler including Redvers Antler and Wauchope.
"Weather radar indicates strong rotation on two cells, one located just east of Kelso and the other near Mair," wrote EC in the warning. "Both severe thunderstorms are moving to the east-northeast at 30 km/h. Quarter-sized hail, heavy rain, and strong wind gusts are also possible with these storms."
Those warnings have now dropped, but the threat for thunderstorms continues through the evening.
Residents are reminded to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. For tornado safety clips, click here.
Be sure to watch The Weather Network on TV for LIVE UPDATES and visit our Alerts page for the latest watches and warnings. Also, you can follow us @weathernetwork on Twitter for #skstorm updates.
