Saskatchewan hit by 3 tornadoes, intense rain and large hail, Canada

At least three tornadoes touched down in southwest Saskatchewan Saturday afternoon, July 4, 2020. The storm also brought damaging winds, large hail, and intense rainfall to the province. Environment Canada confirmed the first twister near Glenbain, the second near Kincaid to Woodrow, and the third near Assiniboia. Some of the reported damage is still being investigated.

Environment Canada issued its first tornado warning around 21:40 UTC (15:40 LT) on Saturday. A storm system moved southeast across the province, hitting Kincaid and Glenbain an hour later.

The tornado was later confirmed, but no damage was reported by Sunday, July 5.

Hail also fell in some parts of the province, which was said to be around the size of a golfball. Many farmers said their crops were affected by the storm.

The second tornado hit Kincaid at roughly 22:40 UTC (16:40 LT), where damage to a home and farm is still being investigated, the department said.

Around 00:20 UTC on July 5 (18:20 LT on July 4), a third twister touched down near Assiniboia. No damage was reported.

In a weather summary issued on July 5, Environment Canada noted that "these storm assessments are considered preliminary and may be changed if more information becomes available."

Severe weather had been affecting Saskatchewan over the past days. During the first week of July, the northwestern region was hit by rare flooding, which was described as the worst in 46 years.

Meanwhile, the neighboring province of Manitoba was struck by a "once-in-1 000-year" flood event in the same period as the Rivers Dam hit its highest level on record. 

Featured image credit: Callum Struble, ECCC Weather Saskatchewan