Saskatoon and area gets a light show overnight, some damage in summer storm
A thunderstorm woke up many Saskatoon residents overnight, following a severe thunderstorm warning from Environment Canada on Thursday.
According to Environment Canada, a weak cold front moving into the province from the west created favourable conditions for a storm capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.
These thunderstorms moved to the east or southeast through the night and early morning.
In Waskesiu, about 228 kilometres north of Saskatoon, the powerful storm came through around 7 p.m. Locals posted photos of golf ball sized hail on a Facebook buy and sell group.
A Waskesiu resident posted photos of hail found on the golf course on July 11, 2024. (Source: Tara Degelman / Facebook)
Outlook resident Julie Hlagy captured a stunning photo of a lightning strike that she says happened early Friday morning as the storm passed over her town, located about 90 kilometres south of Saskatoon.
"Little storm that packed a punch ran by Outlook early this morning," said Outlook resident Julie Hlagy. (Courtesy: Julie Hlagy)
Environment Canada cautions that summer storms can pose a real risk to safety.
“Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees, and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes,” Environment Canada said the advisory.
One group at the Borden Bridge Campground had a close call overnight, as heavy winds toppled trees that fell into their camper and tent.
"Had a bit of bad luck last night in the storm," Karen Spelay posted in the Saskatchewan RV Campers Facebook group.
"Thankful, we are all safe."
(Source: Karen Spelay / Facebook)
Saskatoon remained under a severe thunderstorm advisory on Friday. The federal weather service warned around 8 a.m. that the risk of a severe storm, including hail, lightning and strong winds, was still possible as the weak cold front continued to move through the province.
The advisory concluded by late afternoon, replaced with a air quality statement as the cold front moving across the province brought a pool of wildfire smoke.
Environment Canada said the smoke would clear by Friday evening.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mother of Georgia shooting suspect called school to warn of emergency, aunt says
The mother of the 14-year-old who has been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of four people at his Georgia high school called the school before the killings, warning staff of an 'extreme emergency' involving her son, a relative said.
'You've got to feed the change beast': Experts look ahead to Liberal caucus retreat
With the federal Liberals set to meet for their annual caucus retreat this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the party, need to be clear about their policy direction and open to change, according to two experts and an MP.
Canadian drivers enjoying unusual low gas prices for time of year
Drivers across the country are keeping more money in their pockets after filling up a tank of gas.
King Charles attends church prayers on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death
King Charles III attended church near the royal Balmoral estate in Scotland for prayers and reflection in remembrance of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday, the second anniversary of her death.
Trump threatens to jail adversaries in escalating rhetoric ahead of pivotal debate
With just days to go before his first and likely only debate against U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump posted a warning on his social media site threatening to jail those “involved in unscrupulous behavior” this election, which he said would be under intense scrutiny.
The 33 most anticipated movies of the fall
Here are some of the most anticipated films of this fall, from large to small and everything in between.
Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates
A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.
Georgia school shooting highlights fears about classroom cellphone bans
Huddling for safety in classrooms as gunfire rang out, students at Apalachee High School texted or called their parents to let them know what was happening and send what they thought could be their final messages. One student texted her mother to say she loved her, adding, 'I'm sorry I'm not the best daughter.'
A Filipino preacher on the run from sexual abuse charges has been arrested
A Filipino preacher accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking in the Philippines and similar charges in the United States has been captured, officials said Sunday.