Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is warning of a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the Portage la Prairie region. 

ECCC says that the conditions are not just favorable, but ripe for the development of severe thunderstorms that could unleash strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain in the area on Thursday.

Reportedly, A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop from Melita to the northeast near Berens River to the Ontario Border. A few isolated thunderstorms within this line are expected to become severe. Significant hail and wind are the main hazards. Multiple thunderstorms will be continually tracked along the same areas, making heavy rainfall possible. Thunderstorms may continue into the overnight hours.

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. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.  

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, or torrential rainfall.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, email MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.