The City of Saskatoon is on high alert following the issuance of a Tornado Watch by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Favorable conditions for thunderstorms may potentially lead to the formation of tornadoes, prompting city officials to activate the Emergency Operations Centre in preparation for the storm’s impact.
ECCC meteorologists are actively monitoring a severe thunderstorm that may produce a tornado. This storm, currently near Echo Bay and moving east at 35 km/h, poses significant risks including damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Another storm capable of producing a tornado has been identified 7 kilometers south of Rockhaven, also moving east at 35 km/h.
Potential Hazards
- Tornadoes
- Wind gusts up to 100 km/h
- Quarter-sized hail
The severe weather could lead to considerable damage to infrastructure and personal property, with localized flooding possible due to heavy rainfall. The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), and other city departments are on standby, prepared to respond as necessary. Saskatoon Light and Power (SL&P) crews are also ready to address any power outages or related issues.
City Facilities and Services:
- The Saskatoon Landfill, Saskatoon Forestry Farm & Zoo, and other city facilities may close if the severe weather materializes.
- Saskatoon Transit services might be disrupted during the storm, with updates available via third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit.
Safety and Preparedness: Residents are urged to take immediate steps to ensure their safety and stay informed by monitoring the latest weather updates. Key resources include local news stations, the city’s official website (saskatoon.ca), and social media channels. Additionally, the city encourages residents to learn about emergency preparedness and sign up for emergency alerts through the NotifyNow system at saskatoon.ca/notifynow.
Environment and Climate Change Canada emphasizes that the public should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and the potential for severe storm impacts throughout the afternoon.
Stay tuned to local forecasts and follow official guidance to stay safe during this period of heightened weather risk.
Tornado Valley Moves to Ontario
In other recent news, newly released research from the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) at Western University has revealed a surprising shift in Canada’s tornado activity, positioning Ontario as the new tornado hotspot, surpassing the traditionally tornado-prone Prairies.