RCMP locate missing hiker believed to have been caught in Meadow Lake storm

UPDATE: RCMP said they have located the missing hiker and that the hiker is in good health.

RCMP are looking for a missing hiker after a severe storm tore through the Meadow Lake area on Saturday.

A search and rescue operation is underway and police are expected to provide an update on Sunday.

1:56 Environment Canada investigating possible tornado at northern Saskatchewan campground

ABOVE: Environment Canada investigating possible tornado at northern Saskatchewan campground

Three individuals have been taken to hospital and STARS confirmed one was a 64-year-old woman. She was transported to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

The storm the hit shortly before 5 p.m. destroying several campers and took down large swaths of trees at Murray Doell Campground in Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

“This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen,” Genia Aasen told Global News.

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Aasen’s family had just arrived at the campground Friday to begin a 10-day stay.

“It rocked for probably about seven minutes – until it finally calmed down enough for us to look outside – and when we finally did, everything was down- our gazebo, all of the trees around us,” Aasen said.

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The family said their travel trailer was damaged but they were able to get their vehicle out and drive to their home in Cold Lake Saturday evening.

Other campers were not as lucky. As many as a 100 people in the area were evacuated to the nearby Village of Goodsoil.

Environment Canada said they received videos of nearby tornadoes, but could not confirm a tornado touched down in the park.

According to a statement by the Saskatchewan Government, emergency teams from the Ministry of Government Relations were sent to the area. They confirmed substantial damage and advised the public to avoid travelling through the area.

Those who were camping at the site have been taken to a local emergency shelter where they have access to food, water and first aid.

Sask Parks is working on identifying and recovering trailers, boats, campers and personal property.

SaskPower has turned off power in the areas impacted the most and are assessing further damage.

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