Westman region under tornado watch as severe thunderstorms threaten Prairies

Westman region under tornado watch as severe thunderstorms threaten Prairies

Southwestern Manitoba under tornado watch as multiple thunderstorms expected to develop rapidly in Prairies

People in west Manitoba are being told to take precautions with multiple thunderstorms expected to roll through the Prairies Saturday evening.

A thunderstorm capable of making hail the size of loonies or ping pong balls was over Edrans, about 100 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, as of around 7:30 p.m., Environment Canada said in a warning.

The storm was moving northeast at 40 kilometres per hour, with Wellwood, Helston, Mayfeld, Gladstone and Katrime in its path.

Environment Canada said the storm was producing damaging winds of up to 110 kilometres per hour, and between 15 and 50 millimetres of heavy rain.

The rest of southwestern Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan were under tornado watches Saturday evening, with the federal agency expecting multiple to quickly develop along a warm front.

Hail of up to 7 centimetres in diameter, wind gusts of up to 110 kilometres per hour, and local rainfall of over 50 millimetres were possible hazards, the agency said.

Significant damage to homes and infrastructure was possible, Environment Canada warned.

People should take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches, the agency said.