Tornado warning for parts of southeast Sask. cancelled, watch remains in effect

Several weather alerts, including a tornado warning, were issued for parts of southeast Saskatchewan on Saturday.

Just before 7:30 p.m., the R.M. of Browning, including Lampman, was issued a red level tornado warning,

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said damaging winds of up to 110 km/h, golf ball to tennis ball size hail of up to 6.9 centimetres (cm) were possible, as well as heavy rain of up to 55 millimetres (mm).

The weather agency said meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm moving east at 25 km an hour. With the potential of turning into a tornado, ECCC said it was a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation, so proper precautions should be taken.

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ECCC advised residents to go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, leave temporary or free-standing shelters and move to a strong building if possible.

If you see a funnel cloud, hear a roaring sound, or see swirling debris near the ground, the weather agency advises to take cover right away.

Significant damage or destruction to infrastructure could occur during the event of a tornado.

Just after 7:30 p.m. the R.M of Brock, including Arcola and Kisbey, was also issued the red-level tornado warning.

Just after 8:10 p.m., the tornado warnings were cancelled, but a tornado watch remained in effect.

According to the orange level tornado alert issued earlier in the day, conditions were favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which could produce tornadoes.

Areas under the watch included Weyburn, Estevan, Esterhazy, Coronach, and surrounding communities.

Under the orange level tornado watch, ECCC says strong winds up to 100 km/h, large hail up to six centimetres in diameter, and rainfall reaching 50 millimetres were also possible Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

The weather agency said several thunderstorms, which are expected to develop along a warm front over southeastern Saskatchewan, will gradually shift east throughout the day.

Several areas of southeastern Saskatchewan were also issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

For current watches and warnings, visit ECCC’s website.