People in Manitoba's Interlake and parts of Central Plains and the Parkland are being warned to keep an eye on the sky Saturday afternoon.

Environment Canada has issued tornado watches for regions north of Winnipeg, including Arborg, Hecla, Fisher River, Gypsumville, and Ashern. Areas on the west side of Lake Manitoba have also been placed under a tornado watch, including Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa, and Gladstone.

Update 1:55 p.m. - more regions added

Environment Canada has now also issued a tornado watch for Lake Winnipeg, as well as Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall, and Woodlands.

The national forecaster says that conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds and possibly brief, weak tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.

From Environment Canada:

Unstable conditions in the Interlake and areas around Lake Manitoba are producing thunderstorms, some of which have the potential to produce a brief tornado. There was a report of a waterspout near the Narrows between Lake Manitoba and Winnipegosis around noon today.

The risk of severe weather will end early this evening.

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 you 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!

Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.

Current watches and warnings

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