8:49 PM CDT Wednesday 18 September 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for: R.M. of Portage la Prairie incl. St. Ambroise Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this evening over parts of southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The main threats from these severe thunderstorms will be: - Rainfall in excess of 50 mm - Wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h - Hail to the size of loonies - Risk of a tornado The risk for severe thunderstorms will diminish later this evening. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm .