Tornado watch in effect for southeastern Sask.

A severe thunderstorm in southeast Saskatchewan. (Courtesy: Braydon Morisseau - Storm Chaser)

Parts of eastern and southeastern Saskatchewan have been placed under a tornado watch.

A tornado watch is in place for parts of eastern and southeastern Saskatchewan.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Sunday afternoon, according to Environment Canada.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible,” said Environment Canada as of 12 p.m.

The storms are expected to weaken and track out of the area later in the evening, according to the update.

The affected areas include:

• R.M. of Calder including Calder and Wroxton
• R.M. of Churchbridge including Churchbridge and MacNutt
• R.M. of Fertile Belt including Esterhazy Stockholm and Bangor
• R.M. of Langenburg including Langenburg Yarbo and Marchwell
• R.M. of Martin including Wapella and Red Jacket
• R.M. of Maryfield including Maryfield and Fairlight
• R.M. of Moosomin including Moosomin Welwyn and Fleming
• R.M. of Rocanville including Rocanville
• R.M. of Saltcoats including Saltcoats and Bredenbury
• R.M. of Silverwood south of Whitewood
• R.M. of Spy Hill including Spy Hill Gerald and Tantallon
• R.M. of Wallace including Rhein Stornoway Tonkin and Rokeby
• R.M. of Walpole including Kelso
• R.M. of Wawken including Wawota Kennedy and Kenosee Lake
• R.M. of Willowdale including Whitewood and Ochapowace Res.

Special weather statement

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for areas in central and western Saskatchewan.

As of 1:05 p.m., the weather agency said conditions were favourable for the development of funnel clouds later in the day.

“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado,” read the weather statement.

It was in effect for areas as north as Humboldt, as east as Sintaluta, as west as Alsask and as south as Carnagh.

It also included Regina, Swift Current and Moose Jaw.

“Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances,” said Environment Canada.