Severe storm systems prompt emergency alerts

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This article was published 06/08/2025 (236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Severe storm systems to the north and south of Winnipeg prompted a series of emergency alerts late Wednesday afternoon, with Environment Canada warning of possible tornado conditions. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada released a bulletin at about 4 p.m. advising it was tracking severe thunderstorms with the potential to produce tornadoes north of Winnipeg, in the rural municipalities of Rockwood and St. Andrews. 

“This is a dangerous situation that could cause fatal injuries,” the bulletin said. 

“Take cover immediately if threatening weather is approaching. If you hear a rumbling noise or see a funnel cloud, debris swirling near the ground or flying through the air, or any threatening weather approaching, take cover immediately.” 

The national weather service later lifted those warnings but continued to monitor severe thunderstorms in the region, as well as in the RMs of Rosser, St. Clements and Macdonald. 

By 5:30 p.m., a tornado warning remained in effect for areas east of Winnipeg, where the most significant storm was tracking towards the Ontario border. The affected area included parts of East St. Paul and the community of Birds Hill, meteorologist Keane Kokolsky told the Free Press. 

Kokolsky said it was unclear whether the storm would carry the threat of tornadoes all the way to Ontario or whether its severity would diminish before then. He advised Manitobans to watch for further alerts and forecasts, and to heed any emergency warnings. 

Kokolsky said a tornado was confirmed to have occured on Tuesday night near Grande-Clairière in southwestern Manitoba, near the Saskatchewan border. 

No injuries or damage were reported, he said. 

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca