Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several areas in southeastern Manitoba, including the R.M. of De Salaberry, Hanover, La Broquerie and Stuartburn. As of 1:17 p.m. CDT, meteorologists were tracking a cluster of storms moving northeast at about 25 km/h, with the potential to produce very strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall. The warning covers communities such as St-Pierre-Jolys, St. Malo, Steinbach, Niverville, Grunthal, Marchand, Vita and Sundown. Areas currently in the path of the storm include Vita, Barkfield, Caliento, Sandilands and Sarto. Environment Canada says the storms could bring wind gusts between 90 and 110 km/h, hail ranging in size from a nickel to a ping pong ball, and between 50 and 75 millimetres of rain. Officials are urging residents to take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches. "Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain," Environment Canada stated in the advisory.