One confirmed tornado Friday and almost another dozen under investigation

Tornado at Dundurn photo credit: Facebook

Environment and Climate Change Canada has confirmed a tornado near Dundurn on Friday at 4:00 p.m. after receiving several reports and photos of the tornado.

Photo credit: Block Agencies near Waldheim

SaskPower issued an advisory shortly before 12:30 a.m. saying that customers in Waldheim and surrounding rural would be without power overnight due to damage caused by a tornado. For customers in Rosthern power had been partially restored at that time. For customers without power in the south of town and rural area east of Rosthern crews estimate power will be restored this evening. The majority of customers in Hague saw power restored Friday night and the rest of customers in the rural region south and in the surrounding area of Hague will also be restored Saturday evening.

Block Agencies posted a photo of what appears to be a tornado near Waldheim which also produced baseball sized hail and caused considerable damage to buildings and power infrastructure.

The Town of Rosthern issued a storm advisory saying the storm caused downed trees, debris, damaged infrastructure and localized flooding and advised residents to stay clear of downed power lines – that crews were working to remove hazards as quickly as possible.

ECCC is also investigating possible tornadoes in or near the following locations Speers at approximately 2:30 p.m., Petrofka and Sunset Estates at approximately 4:30 p.m., Colonsay and Rosthern at 5:00 p.m., Prud’Homme and Plunkett at approximately 5:30 p.m., Smuts at approximately 6:30 p.m. and finally around 9:30 p.m. there was a possible tornado at Cupar.

A low pressure system that moved through southern Saskatchewan on Friday afternoon and evening produced a severe weather outbreak that spawned multiple severe thunderstorms. Very large hail. There were also reports of extensive damage to houses, roofs, trees, power lines, and other structures.

ECCC is collaborating with the Northern Tornadoes Project as they investigate further.