Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for parts of Southern Manitoba.
At 6:58 p.m. CDT, meteorologists began tracking a severe thunderstorm possibly producing a tornado in the R.M. of Macdonald, including Brunkild, Starbuck and La Salle, and the R.M. of Morris, including Rosenort and Aubigny.
"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," the agency warned.
Residents in the affected areas are being urged to take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches. Environment Canada advises going indoors to a secure room on the lowest floor, such as a basement or interior stairwell. People in mobile homes or vehicles should seek sturdier shelter or, as a last resort, lie in a low area and protect their head from flying debris.
Tornado warnings are issued when thunderstorms are imminent or occurring and are likely to produce or are already producing tornadoes.
This latest warning replaces the severe thunderstorm warning issued just moments earlier at 6:45 p.m. That system, located over Osborne and moving southeast at 25 km/h, was producing very strong wind gusts between 90 and 110 km/h, hail up to the size of a toonie (3 cm), and heavy rainfall between 50 and 75 mm.
Communities affected by the ongoing storm activity include Niverville, Ste. Agathe, Aubigny, Domain, McTavish, Osborne, Rosenort, and La Salle.
Environment Canada notes that severe thunderstorms remain capable of producing tornadoes and that conditions continue to evolve rapidly.
Earlier Monday at 4:20 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for areas from the Interlake region through the Red River Valley. A trough of low pressure had triggered isolated to scattered storms, some of which reached severe thresholds.
"When thunder roars, go indoors," the agency reminds the public.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert, monitor weather updates closely, and follow official guidance through the evening.