A severe weather threat is looming over parts of southern Manitoba, with Environment Canada issuing a thunderstorm watch this afternoon.
Environment Canada first issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 12:37 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, for several regions such as Morden, Winkler, Altona, Steinbach, and the Whiteshell.
Many of those watches have turned to warnings as storms develop this afternoon and are expected to continue into the evening, with the storms moving into Ontario later tonight.
The main threats from these storms include rainfall in excess of 50 mm, wind gusts over 90 km/h, hail the size of golf balls, and a possible tornado.
Environment Canada warns that large hail can damage property and cause injury, while strong winds have the potential to toss loose objects, damage buildings, break branches off trees, and overturn large vehicles. Heavy rainfall could also lead to flash flooding and water pooling on roads.
The agency reminds Canadians of the dangers of lightning, which causes injuries and fatalities every year. "When thunder roars, go indoors," they advise.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, or torrential rainfall.
To find the latest details select your community on our weather page.