Severe storms cause a firestorm with hail, fire and possible tornado in West Central

A series of severe thunderstorms moved through West Central Saskatchewan Friday evening, prompting tornado warnings and reports of damaging hail and lightning.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued two tornado warnings during the evening — one for the Coleville area shortly before 6 p.m., and another north of Luseland later in the evening. A rotating storm near Coleville raised concerns, though a tornado has not yet been confirmed picture were captured of the funnel. 

In Cabri, the storms brought heavy rain and large amounts of hail, with residents noting accumulation on roads and in yards. Some low-lying areas experienced minor flooding.

Just west of the Saskatchewan border near Provost, Alta., fire crews responded to a blaze at what appeared to be an oil battery site. While some reports indicate a possible lightning strike as the cause of the blaze, no official reports have been released at this time

Environment Canada continues to review storm data and encourages residents to submit reports and photos of significant weather activity.

Unsettled conditions remain possible in parts of Saskatchewan this weekend, with forecasters urging the public to stay alert for further advisories.