Wednesday, July 20, 2016, 10:27 AM – All of the ingredients were there for another stormy day across the Prairies on Tuesday with severe thunderstorm watches and warnings kicking off in parts of Manitoba through the afternoon hours.
Conditions quickly deteriorated becoming even more dangerous and prompting tornado warnings across south central Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” said Environment Canada in the warning issued for Saskatchewan.
At 8:20 p.m. local time, a tornado has was reported near Davidson, Saskatchewan, a small town approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon. Environment Canada has not yet confirmed the tornado touch down or a rating, but comments on social media indicated damage to local power lines and trees.
Heavy rain, intense lightning and large hail were also reported as this line of storms moved through with some shocking images of incredibly large hail stones comparable to the size of baseballs.
All watches and warnings had dropped across Manitoba Tuesday night, but the remnants of the nighttime thunderstorm activity lingered over southern and central Saskatchewan first thing Wednesday morning.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain,” warned Environment Canada early Wednesday morning.
As the day progresses, the storm energy remains, with another widespread thunderstorm threat pushing back into Manitoba and parts of northwestern Ontario where heat warnings are in place for both regions.
“These hot and humid conditions also give rise to a significant risk of severe thunderstorms for southern Manitoba this afternoon and tonight,” said EC in the heat warning. “Humidex values reaching near 40 are expected.”
Heavy rain, large hail and an isolated tornado are the greatest risks if storms do fire up.
By:Andrea Bagley – Digital Reporter – The Weather Network
Picture: Renee Schmiedge
