Orange thunderstorm warning, tornado watch issued for southwestern Manitoba

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued orange severe thunderstorm warning and tornado watch for southwestern Manitoba. Map as of 4:15 p.m. on June 6, 2026. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an orange severe thunderstorm warning and tornado watch for communities in southwestern Manitoba.

At 2:23 p.m. Saturday, the weather agency said meteorologists were tracking a “dangerous” thunderstorm capable of producing damaging wind gusts, golf ball- to tennis ball-sized hail and heavy rain.

“Large hail will likely cause significant damage and injury,” the warning said.

Around 3:13 p.m., ECCC’s website showed the severe thunderstorm warning had been upgraded from orange to red, describing the storm as “extremely dangerous.” The red warning said damaging wind gusts between 90 and 110 km/h, baseball-sized or larger hail and heavy rain of up to 50 millimetres were possible.

At 3:50 p.m., the red severe thunderstorm warning was observed to have been downgraded to orange on ECCC’s website.

Orange tornado watch

Areas surrounding the warning region were placed under a tornado watch because conditions were favourable for thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible,” the watch said.

The agency said it can form Saturday afternoon and evening.

In the event of a tornado or tornado warning, ECCC advises residents to go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.

If in a mobile home, vehicle, tent or other freestanding shelter, move to a sturdy building, the agency added.