Most of southern Manitoba is under a tornado watch as Environment Canada is tracking an unstable airmass that is passing through the province.

The following are areas under the tornado watch:

  • City of Winnipeg
  • R.M. of Woodlands incl. Warren and Lake Francis
  • R.M. of Rockwood incl. Teulon Stonewall and Stony Mountain
  • R.M. of Rosser incl. Meadows
  • R.M. of West St. Paul incl. Middlechurch and Rivercrest
  • R.M. of St. Andrews incl. Selkirk Lockport and Ponemah
  • Portage la Prairie - Headingley - Brunkild - Carman
  • Dugald - Beausejour - Grand Beach
  • Morden - Winkler - Altona - Morris
  • Steinbach - St. Adolphe - Emerson - Vita - Richer
  • Whiteshell - Lac du Bonnet - Pinawa
  • Sprague - Northwest Angle Provincial Forest
  • R.M. of Coldwell incl. Lundar and Clarkleigh
  • R.M. of Gimli incl. Winnipeg Beach and Arnes
  • R.M. of St. Laurent incl. Oak Point
  • R.M. of Armstrong incl. Chatfield Inwood and Narcisse
  • Manigotagan Black River Res. and Hollow Water Res.
  • Bissett
  • Nopiming Prov. Park
  • R.M. of Alexander incl. Powerview-Pine Falls
  • Mun. of Glenella-Lansdowne incl. Arden and Tenby
  • Mun. of WestLake-Gladstone incl. Plumas and Langruth
Environment Canada tornado watch map as of 4:33 p.m. (Environment Canada)Environment Canada tornado watch map as of 4:33 p.m. (Environment Canada)

From Environment Canada:

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.

Ideal ingredients for significant tornadoes are coming together this afternoon.

A very warm, very moist and therefore, very unstable airmass over southern Manitoba combined with strong upper-level winds and low-level boundaries support severe supercell thunderstorms with favourable ingredients for significant tornadoes.

These severe thunderstorms are expected to develop late afternoon/early evening and track east towards the Ontario border.

Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended to take the following actions:

  • Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
  • Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can.
  • As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!