(File photo/CKOM News staff)

By CKOM News

Tornado warning issued in west-central Sask., severe thunderstorms also expected

Jun 5, 2021 | 3:56 PM

A tornado warning has been issued for areas near the Saskatchewan-Alberta border.

Early Saturday afternoon, affected areas included those around: Kindersley, Rosetown, Biggar, Wilkie and Macklin. The warnings were then lifted.

However, tornado warnings persist for areas near the Battlefords, Unity, Maidstone and St. Walburg, as well as Martensville, Warman, Rostern, Delisle and Wakaw.

Environment Canada says meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that could produce a tornado, along with strong winds, large hail and heavy ran.

The weather office’s website says the “possible tornado” is located east of Landis and is heading northeast at 35 kilometres per hour.

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“Severe wind is certainly a concern with this storm. Large hail is possible. We’ve had reports of quarter-sized hail in Alberta already today. So we know the moisture in the environment is conducive to large hail,” said meteorologist Sara Hoffman.

Hoffman said there’s also rain but that is less of a concern for people.

Environment Canada has this advice for those who might encounter the storm.

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately,” its website says.

“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.”

Environment Canada has also called severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for several other communities.

Watches have been issued for regions near Saskatoon and Prince Albert, along with Kindersley, Rosetown, Biggar, Wilkie and Macklin.

The weather office says conditions are ripe for storms that could produce strong winds, large hail and heavy rain.

“This severe thunderstorm watch may be expanded eastwards later this afternoon. The threat for severe thunderstorms will diminish this evening,” says Environment Canada.

Severe weather watches are different from warnings, which indicate severe weather is imminent or already occurring.