Tornado watch issued for parts of Manitoba

Tornado watch issued for parts of Manitoba

Conditions favourable for severe thunderstorms that may produce tornadoes, Thursday alert says

A tornado watch has been issued for a large section of southern Manitoba.

The yellow tornado watch alert from Environment and Climate Change Canada was issued Thursday afternoon.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes in the included regions, that alert said, while strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to start ahead of a low-pressure system Thursday afternoon, then track east out of the area early Thursday evening, the alert said.

The impact level for the alert was listed as moderate, while the forecast confidence level was high.

The regions now under the watch are:

Significant damage or destruction to infrastructure, homes or the natural environment is possible, the alert said. If there is a tornado, or if an upgraded tornado warning is issued for your area, the weather agency said to go inside to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows — like in a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.

It also urged people to leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers or other temporary or free-standing shelters and move to a strong building if possible. As a last resort, the alert said to lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.

If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris or any threatening weather approaching, the weather agency said to take cover immediately.

If you're out on the water and threatening weather approaches, go to shore and take shelter immediately, the alert said, adding that it's particularly dangerous to be on a small craft on open water when there's lightning.