Tornado watch issued for Saskatoon area

A tornado watch was issued for the Saskatoon area Friday afternoon.

The Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) alert was issued just after 1:30 p.m.

"Severe thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon along the Yellowhead Highway corridor, some of which may spawn a tornado," the weather alert said.

Martensville, Warman, Rosthern, Delisle and Wakaw were also under a tornado watch.

A watch was also issued for the Battlefords, Unity, Maidstone and St. Walburg. It was upgraded to a tornado warning before 4:30 p.m.

A photo shared on Twitter by Jenny Hagan shows an apparent tornado near Paynton, a community southeast of Maidstone.

A photo shared by storm chaser Jenny Hagan shows an apparent tornado near Paynton, Sask. on July 8, 2022. (Twitter/@LostInSk)

Large hail was also expected, with hail up to the size of golf balls or possibly larger.

A photo from the Blaine Lake area shows another potential tornado on the ground. 

Tornado spotted near Blaine Lake. (Scott Aspinall, Twitter)

In a news release sent Friday afternoon, the City of Saskatoon has asked residents to remain alert.

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“The city wishes to remind residents that tornados can appear quickly,” the media release said.

The city reminded residents that signs of a tornado include:

• Severe thunderstorms
• Dark sky with green or yellow clouds
• Rumbling or whistling sound

Residents were advised to store away loose objects like patio furniture, store garbage and recycling carts, and to keep pets inside.

ECCC says if a tornado should form, people should head to the lowest floor in their home, away from windows. Those in mobile homes, vehicles, tents and trailers should head to a stronger building if possible.