Those to the west of Portage la Prairie may want to secure their lawn furniture and park their cars in the garage tonight. Environment Canada has put a severe thunderstorm watch in effect, as a system moves from Saskatchewan into the province. Meteorologists say conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms, that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain.

The system's expected to arrive this evening, and begin to leave the region early tomorrow morning.

Areas under the current watch include:

Mun. of Glenella-Lansdowne incl. Arden and Tenby
Mun. of McCreary incl. Norgate
Mun. of Ste. Rose incl. Laurier
Mun. of WestLake-Gladstone incl. Plumas and Langruth
R.M. of Alonsa incl. Ebb and Flow Res. and Sandy Bay
City of Brandon
Mun. of Glenboro-South Cypress incl. Treesbank
Mun. of Norfolk Treherne
Mun. of North Cypress-Langford incl. Neepawa and Carberry
Mun. of North Norfolk incl. MacGregor Sydney and Austin
Mun. of Oakland-Wawanesa incl. Carroll
R.M. of Cornwallis west of Shilo incl. Chater
R.M. of Elton incl. Forrest
R.M. of Victoria incl. Holland and Cypress River