Tornado watch issued for southeast Sask.; thunderstorm, large hail expected

Tornado watch issued for southeast Sask.; thunderstorm, large hail expected

Thunderstorms could produce tornadoes through Saturday night: Environment Canada

Parts of southeast Saskatchewan are under a tornado watch as a storm system rolling through the region is expected to cause lightning and large hail.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an orange-level tornado watch just before 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Conditions are expected to continue into the evening, according to the ECCC alert.

Affected communities include Coronach, Indian Head, Yorkton, Melville, Esterhazy and Carnduff, and surrounding rural municipalities. See ECCC's website for a full list.

The storm could create hail up to six cm in diameter and wind gusts up to 100 km/h, the ECCC alert says. Rainfall could exceed 50 mm in some areas.

"Multiple thunderstorms are expected to form and develop rapidly along a warm front over southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba this afternoon," ECCC says in the alert. "Significant damage or destruction to infrastructure, homes and the natural environment is possible."

If the tornado watch is upgraded to a warning, ECCC recommends people go indoors away from walls and windows, and immediately take cover if they see a funnel cloud or flying debris.