Severe thunderstorm watch issued for southwestern Manitoba

Environment Canada is warning severe thunderstorm conditions are possible in southwestern Manitoba late this afternoon and into the evening.

Dangerous thunderstorms that could produce damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain are possible, an alert from the weather agency says.

“Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop over southwestern Manitoba late this afternoon, producing locally heavy rainfall, small hail and wind gusts to 90 kilometres per hour,” the alert says. “Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.”

The storm watch applies to the communities of Brandon, Carberry, Treherne, Dauphin, Roblin, Winnipegosis, Killarney, Pilot Mound, Manitou, Melita, Boissevain, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Russell, Riding Mountain National Park, St. Rose du Lac, McCreary, Alonsa, Gladstone, Swan River, Duck Mountain, Porcupine Provincial Forest, Virden and Souris.

The alert includes a warning that large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury.

“Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches,” the alert says. “Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”