Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for areas north of Winnipeg Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, much of southern Manitoba is under a severe thunderstorm watch.

Areas under the tornado watch as of 3:41 p.m. include:

  • Selkirk - Gimli - Stonewall - Woodlands
  • Arborg - Hecla - Fisher River - Gypsumville - Ashern

The national forecaster says that "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible."

Tornado watch details:

The following alert is from Environment Canada, issued at 3:41 p.m.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop later this afternoon and move eastwards through the evening hours as a low pressure system and trailing cold front move through the area. Some of these thunderstorms may be severe with primary threats of damaging hail and damaging wind gusts. Additionally, conditions will be favourable for supporting well-organized thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.

Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: 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. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.

Severe thunderstorm watches

The following areas are under the watch as of 3:48 p.m.

  • City of Winnipeg, Man. (052100)
  • Portage la Prairie - Headingley - Brunkild - Carman, Man. (052300)
  • Dugald - Beausejour - Grand Beach, Man. (052400)
  • Morden - Winkler - Altona - Morris, Man. (052500)
  • Steinbach - St. Adolphe - Emerson - Vita - Richer, Man. (052600)
  • Bissett - Victoria Beach - Nopiming Prov. Park - Pine Falls, Man. (053100)
  • Whiteshell - Lac du Bonnet - Pinawa, Man. (053200)
  • Sprague - Northwest Angle Provincial Forest, Man. (053300)

The following alert is from Environment Canada, issued at 3:48 p.m.

Current details:

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.

Severe thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon into the evening as a trough of low pressure and a cold front push into a humid air mass. There is uncertainty as to whether or not any thunderstorms will be able to develop, but if any are able they will be capable of all severe thunderstorm hazards: damaging hail, damaging wind gusts, torrential rain, and the risk of an isolated tornado.

Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. 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.