Parts of southern Saskatchewan experienced extreme weather over the weekend, including the occurrence of a tornado. On Sunday at 4:11 pm CST, Environment Canada confirmed the presence of a tornado approximately 10 kilometers outside Kelso, Sask., moving northeast at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. Kelso, Wapella, Kenosee Lake, and Whitewood were placed under a red level tornado warning around 4:12 pm CST.
Another red level tornado warning was issued near Alameda, Oxbow, and Glen Ewen at 3:46 pm CST on Sunday. A severe thunderstorm capable of generating a tornado was detected over Alameda and moving northeast. This warning was lifted by 4:21 pm CST on Sunday.
Additionally, a red level tornado warning was declared northeast of Regina, near Serath, at 11:40 am CST on Sunday, and the warning was lifted by 11:55 am CST. The severe thunderstorm associated with this warning was part of a series of severe storms affecting various regions in the province.
Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm and rainfall warnings for communities in south and central Saskatchewan, including areas around Saskatoon, Yorkton, and Regina. Meteorologist Chris Stammer from Environment and Climate Change Canada explained that a strong low-pressure system entered the province on Sunday, triggering the majority of the storms.
Stammer highlighted the progression of severe thunderstorms from Regina towards the Manitoba border, accompanied by significant rainfall and reports of golf ball-sized hail near Estevan. He mentioned that several tornado warnings were issued in response to the severe weather conditions.
In regions experiencing thunderstorms, Environment Canada cautioned that up to 100 millimeters of rainfall could occur between Sunday and Monday. In Regina, heavy rainfall led to flooded underpasses on Sunday morning, prompting Regina Police to advise motorists to avoid specific underpass locations due to the flooding.
Stammer forecasted that the most severe thunderstorms would subside by Sunday, but residents could anticipate strong winds exceeding 90 kilometers per hour from Swift Current to Estevan starting late Monday morning and persisting into the evening.
