Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings ended for parts of southwestern Manitoba

(Source: CTV News Winnipeg)

WINNIPEG — Tornado and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for parts of southeastern Manitoba have ended.

On Monday evening, Environment Canada placed Sprague – Northwestern Angle Provincial Forest under a severe thunderstorm warning.

The regions of Steinbach – St Adolphe – Emerson – Vita – Richer, and the Whiteshell – Lac du Bonnet – Pinawa regions were placed under fluctuating severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

As of Tuesday morning, these watches and warnings have ended.

Environment Canada said meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm that was capable of producing strong wind gusts, hail up to the size of nickels, and heavy rain.

It said lightning kills and injures Canadians every year and is reminding people, when thunder roars, go indoors.

Environment Canada said large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles, and cause serious injury. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornados, and heavy downpours can cause flash flooding it said.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, Environment Canada says to follow these steps:

Tornado watches were previously issued Sunday in several communities, ending at approximately 8:30 p.m.

-With files from CTV’s Stephanie Tsicos