Tornado watch issued for Saskatoon, with potential for large hail and torrential downpours

A tornado watch was issued for Saskatoon on Sunday afternoon, with city facilities preparing to close on short notice in the event of an outbreak of severe thunderstorms.

A tornado watch was issued for Saskatoon on Sunday afternoon, with city facilities preparing to close on short notice in the event of an outbreak of severe thunderstorms.

Just after 1 p.m. Environment Canada issued the alert. The federal weather service said a low pressure system was colliding with an unstable air mass, creating conditions for intense storms ranging from large hail, very strong gusting wind, torrential downpours and tornadoes.

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” Environment Canada said in its alert.

“Storms will initiate by mid-late afternoon and track east-northeast. The tornado threat will gradually diminish after sunset and as the storms track into eastern Saskatchewan and into Manitoba tonight.”

In a news release Sunday afternoon, the City of Saskatoon said police, the fire department and city electrical workers were on standby monitoring conditions to deal with potential damage to infrastructure and localized flooding.

City facilities like the landfill, the Forestry Farm and Zoo, and civic centres have prepared to close if severe weather does break out, and transit service could also be affected.

“The city is advising residents to take immediate steps to ensure their safety and to stay informed,” the news release said.