Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for parts of southwestern Manitoba on Thursday evening as a dangerous thunderstorm sweeps through the region.
At the same time, a severe thunderstorm watch has been expanded to cover Winnipeg and most of southern Manitoba, including areas east toward the Ontario border.
You can find current watches and warnings here.
Tornado Warning for Southwest Manitoba
Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms that may be producing a tornado. The system is also capable of generating damaging winds, large hail, and intense rainfall.
"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," the agency warns.
People in the affected regions are urged to take shelter immediately in a basement, bathroom, stairwell, or interior room away from windows. Mobile homes and vehicles are not safe in these conditions.
A separate severe thunderstorm warning also continues for areas farther north, including:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Winnipeg and Much of Southern Manitoba
Severe thunderstorm watches have also been issued for Winnipeg and nearly all of southern Manitoba.
Conditions are favourable for the development of storms capable of:
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Strong wind gusts
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Large hail
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Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
A cold front tracking eastward through the province is expected to trigger storm development into the evening, before moving into northwestern Ontario later tonight.
"When thunder roars, go indoors," Environment Canada reminds the public.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when the potential exists for dangerous weather, even if a storm has not yet formed or reached warning level.
Stay Informed and Report Conditions
Environment Canada is urging residents across the south to stay alert this evening as conditions may evolve rapidly. Warnings may be upgraded or expanded at any time.
To report severe weather, contact Environment Canada via:
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☎️ 1-800-239-0484