Tornado warnings issued across southern Manitoba amid severe storms

Environment Canada has issued two tornado warnings for parts of southern Manitoba as severe thunderstorms moved across the province on Tuesday evening.

Meteorologists warned that a storm northeast of Lake Manitoba could produce a tornado and described the situation as “very dangerous and potentially life-threatening”.

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The warning affects several communities including Ashern, Eriksdale and Lake St. Martin First Nation. The storm was said to be moving northeast at about 25 kilometres per hour.

A second tornado warning was issued shortly before 5:00 PM for areas north of Morden and Winkler, where another severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was being tracked.

Environment Canada urged residents to seek immediate shelter in a basement, interior room or sturdy building if threatening weather approaches.

Much of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Morden, Winkler and much of the Interlake region, remained under a severe thunderstorm watch late Tuesday.

Forecasters warned the storms could bring large hail, damaging winds and intense rainfall through Tuesday evening and into Wednesday.

Environment Canada said rainfall rates could reach 30 to 50 millimetres per hour, while wind gusts may hit between 90 and 120 kilometres an hour, while hail measuring four to six centimetres was also possible.