Tornado threat sparks emergency warning across southern Manitoba

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued tornado warnings across parts of Manitoba on Tuesday as severe thunderstorms swept through the province.

The weather agency placed several regions under a red warning, including the RM of Springfield, RM of Yellowhead, RM of Brokenhead, Municipality of Harrison Park and Rossburn Municipality.

“Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado. Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible,” the warning stated.

Warnings previously issued for the RM of Hanover, RM of Ste. Anne, RM of Tache and the City of Winnipeg have since been lifted.

“This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” ECCC said.

Residents were urged to take shelter immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy building as threatening weather approached.

Large areas of Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Gimli, Portage la Prairie and Riding Mountain National Park, remained under tornado watches Tuesday afternoon.

“A developing frontal system is forecast to move into southern Manitoba this afternoon, ushering in an unstable air mass ripe for the development of severe thunderstorms,” ECCC wrote.

The storms also caused widespread power outages with Manitoba Hydro saying more than 13,000 customers were without electricity Tuesday evening.