Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is investigating at least eight likely tornadoes that touched down across southeastern Saskatchewan on Thursday. The tornadoes were associated with a line of thunderstorms that moved through the region during the afternoon and evening hours. No injuries or structural damage have been reported so far.
Meteorologist Eric Dykes with Environment Canada confirmed that several of the tornadoes were tracked by radar and verified by reports from the public and storm chasers.
“We saw the quintessential looking hook echo, as we call it, on radar, which indicates strong rotation within the storm,” Dykes explained. “Doppler radar was indicating there was a lot of spin.”
One of the earliest reported tornadoes was near Hirsch at 4:20 p.m., followed by a cluster of three tornadoes near Frobisher at 4:40, 4:45, and 4:49 p.m., all spawned by the same storm cell.
“The tornado went back up, moved a little bit over towards the east near Frobisher, and then proceeded to quickly drop three successive tornadoes in a row,” Dykes said.
Another likely tornado was southwest of Davin, observed between Davin and Lajord. Additional tornadoes were spotted near Odessa, Young, and Hubbard.
In total, the current list of likely tornadoes includes:
4:20 p.m. – Near Hirsch
4:40 p.m. – Near Frobisher
4:45 p.m. – Near Frobisher
4:49 p.m. – Near Frobisher
5:05 p.m. – Between Davin and Lajord
5:52 p.m. – Near Odessa
6:18 p.m. – Near Young
9:10 p.m. – Near Hubbard
Meteorologists had flagged the region as high-risk before the outbreak. Dykes explained that the conditions included high moisture, atmospheric instability, and wind shear, which can lead to tornadic development.
“We were expecting perhaps a couple of tornadoes, maybe two to three,” Dykes noted. “And lo and behold, it was more like perhaps eight, if not more.”
Environment Canada is continuing to review radar data, eyewitness reports, and submitted photos and videos to confirm the number and strength of the tornadoes. Anyone with additional footage or information is encouraged to contact Environment Canada by phone at 1-800-239-0484, by email at storm@ec.gc.ca, or by posting to social media using #skstorm.
Dykes also emphasized the importance of taking safety precautions when tornado warnings are issued.
“If you're indoors, the safest place to be is in the lowest and most central room of your house, preferably a basement,” he said. “If you're outside and can't get to shelter, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head, and never take shelter under an overpass.”
A final summary confirming the number and locations of the tornadoes will be released following the completion of Environment Canada's investigation.