Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of southern Manitoba, including the Shilo and Portage la Prairie areas. The weather agency says a line of severe thunderstorms is tracking along a path stretching from Shilo to Treherne. ECCC says the storms are capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail ranging in size from loonies to ping-pong balls, and heavy rain. It warns that fast-moving, rapidly rising water can sweep away vehicles and damage infrastructure, while large hail has the potential to cause significant property damage and injury. Heavy rainfall could also lead to flash flooding and sharply reduced visibility on roadways, it adds. Residents in the affected areas are being urged to take cover immediately if a storm approaches. Those caught outdoors should seek shelter to protect themselves from flying debris and hail. The agency notes that severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when thunderstorms are occurring or imminent and expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain — and cautions that severe thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes.
