WATCH: Footage captures huge, violent Manitoba tornado. Credit: YouTube/TVNweather.
WINNIPEG — A large tornado that developed in southwestern Manitoba at 8:30 p.m. Monday stayed on the ground for an “incredible” 2.5 to 3 hours, an Environment Canada weather statement says.
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The large tornado developed just north of Pierson, Man., at 8:30 p.m. CT and tracked 80 kilometres north, with the last report of it coming from north of Virden, Man., at around 11 p.m.
READ MORE: Tornado confirmed in southwestern Manitoba
The large tornado caused some damage to farm near Tilston, Man., but Environment Canada had no other reports of significant damage as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, the statement said.
A bridge on Highway 256 west of Melita was damaged by the storm, closing Highway 256 from Highway 345 (Pierson) to Highway 445.
“Video of this tornado showed a large wedge on the ground at times,” the weather statement said.
IN PHOTOS: Tornado touches down in southern Manitoba
Environment Canada plans to send a storm damage survey team to the area Tuesday to assess damage, determine the exact track of the tornado and determine its strength based on the damage observed. The federal weather agency is using video, including the footage embedded in this post, in its investigation of the tornado.
Reports of multiple tornadoes came in Monday night near Tilston, Melita and Virden, but it now appears there was one, long-lasting tornado.
LISTEN: Environment Canada meteorologist Natalie Hasell talks about the tornado in Manitoba Monday.
WATCH: Tornado crosses southwestern Manitoba highway. WARNING: Language may offend some viewers.
In addition to the tornado, quarter-sized hail was reported in Pierson at 8:30 p.m.
Initial reports say 75 millimetres of rain fell in Reston, Man., and Virden between 9 p.m. and midnight, and 93 kilometre-per-hour wind gusts were reported in Reston at about 10 p.m.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in Manitoba again late Tuesday morning, but this time for the east-central area, including the following communities:
- Berens River, Little Grand Rapids, Bloodvein, Atikaki;
- Bissett, Nopiming Provincial Park, Pine Falls;
- Island Lake, Oxford House, Gods Lake;
- Norway House, Cross Lake, Wabowden; and
- Poplar River.
The storm is expected to hit in the afternoon and could produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain, Environment Canada said.
READ MORE: How can a tornado last for hours?
A rainfall warning is in effect for west-central and central Manitoba. Rainfall amounts of 50 to 70 millimetres are forecast to fall by Wednesday morning, with higher amounts possible. Areas under the rainfall warning are:
- Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Snow Lake;
- Grand Rapids;
- Norway House, Cross Lake, Wabowden;
- Swan River, Duck Mountain, Porcupine Provincial Forest; and
- The Pas, Wanless, Westray and Clearwater Lake Provincial Park.
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