Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for the Municipality of Oakland-Wawanesa and the Rural Municipality of Prairie Lakes as a severe thunderstorm tracks through the region.
The storm, capable of producing a tornado, was located 10 km southwest of Wawanesa at 8:18 p.m. CDT, moving north at 50 km/h.
In addition to the risk of a tornado, the storm is bringing hail the size of quarters and wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h, creating a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Residents are advised to take cover immediately in a sturdy shelter, preferably on the lowest floor of a building away from windows.
A broader severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for several areas in southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Selkirk, Portage la Prairie, Morden, Steinbach, and surrounding regions. Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, with potential threats such as heavy rainfall over 50 mm, strong wind gusts, hail up to the size of nickels, and a risk of tornadoes.
Residents are reminded that severe thunderstorms can produce intense lightning, damaging winds, and flash floods. Environment Canada urges people to take safety precautions and seek shelter immediately when they hear thunder.