Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches pop up for much of southern Manitoba

A large portion of southern Manitoba is under a severe thunderstorm watch, and some areas are now under a warning, on Thursday afternoon. 

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 5:42 p.m. by Environment Canada for areas north of Winnipeg, including the RM of Woodlands, R.M. of Armstrong, and R.M. of Fisher.

A previous warning for the RM of Rosser, the RM of Rockwood, R.M. of Grahamdale, R.M. of West Interlake, and the RM of St. Andrews is now over.

Meteorologists say they are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-size hail, and heavy rain.

This severe thunderstorm is located near Warren, moving east at 40 km/h. The warning says that winds up to 90 km/h is possible.

A severe thunderstorm watch was already issued for much of the Interlake, Central Plainis, and Wetman regions of the province earlier in the afternoon.

Environment Canada says that conditions are favourable for the development of severe storms this afternoon. Some of the storms could produce strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.

"A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop from Melita to the northeast near Berens River to the Ontario Border," the statement from the national forecaster says.

"A few isolated thunderstorms within this line are expected to become severe. Severe hail and wind are the main hazards. Multiple thunderstorms will be continually tracking along the same areas making heavy rainfall also a possibility. Thunderstorms may continue into the overnight hours."

The summer storm season kicked off with a bang last week when five tornadoes touched down in southern Manitoba.