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West Central Saskatchewan was once again under the gun Monday afternoon as a round of severe thunderstorms prompted tornado watches and warnings across the region, following a weekend of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a tornado watch at 1:30 p.m. CST for a wide area stretching from the Alberta border to near Rosetown, including parts of the South Saskatchewan River valley. Roughly half an hour later, a tornado warning was issued near Kerrobert as a fast-moving cell tracked southeast through communities including Dodsland, Stranraer, north of Rosetown, Harris and Swanson.
Severe weather specialist with West Central Online Jenny Hagan, captured footage of rotating storm clouds and a distinct funnel northwest of Harris around 2:45 p.m., though no official confirmations of a tornado touchdown have been made.
Despite the ominous skies and turbulent conditions, there were no immediate reports of damage as of Monday evening. The system brought strong winds, heavy rain and the potential for large hail as it moved through rural parts of the province.
Environment Canada reminds residents that tornado warnings are issued when there is evidence that a tornado is imminent or occurring. Watches, meanwhile, indicate conditions are favourable for their development.
The public is encouraged to report any severe weather by emailing SKstorm@ec.gc.ca or posting using the hashtag #SKStorm on social media.
The threat from Monday’s storm system has since moved east, but forecasters continue to monitor conditions closely as an unsettled weather pattern lingers over the region.