Tornado watch issued for Saskatchewan as severe storms threaten region

Environment Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for large parts of southern and eastern Saskatchewan, warning that dangerous weather conditions could continue into Sunday evening.

The tornado watch covers areas including Estevan, Carnduff and Moosomin, stretching into parts of Manitoba. 

Environment Canada said conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall.

“A severe weather outbreak is expected today. Multiple thunderstorms will rapidly develop this afternoon along a stalled front over southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba,” Environment Canada said in its alert.

“Significant severe weather including tornadoes is probable, continuing into the evening hours.”

Forecasters warned storms could bring wind gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour, hail as large as nine centimetres and rainfall totals exceeding 50 millimetres.

The agency also warned that major damage to homes, infrastructure and the natural environment is possible.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect across much of southern, central and eastern Saskatchewan, including Regina.

Environment Canada said isolated storms west of the Manitoba border could produce wind gusts up to 100 km/h and hail up to four centimetres in diameter.

Officials urged residents to seek shelter immediately if threatening weather develops.