Residents in a community in southwestern Manitoba are assessing the aftermath of a tornado that touched down on Sunday, confirmed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The tornado was spotted near Elkhorn, Manitoba, located 300 kilometers west of Winnipeg, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Reports of the tornado were received from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and social media.
Environment Canada is working in conjunction with the Northern Tornadoes Project, which is based at Western University in Ontario, to conduct further investigations. The agency will provide additional details once a preliminary assessment is completed. Storm damage was reported in the nearby Manitoba community of Kola, just south of Elkhorn, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Shannon Moodie.
A farmer near Kola mentioned that their family will make a decision on whether to rebuild following significant damage to their buildings, including a hay shed that was destroyed. Despite losing most of their structures, the farmer’s house remained intact. The farmer plans to consult with their insurance company before discussing the next steps with their family.
Karen Shackel, a resident of Elkhorn, recounted how a powerful storm uprooted a large tree outside her residence. Taking shelter in their basement when the severity of the storm became apparent, Shackel described the intense rain and strong winds that accompanied the event. Fortunately, most of the damage in Elkhorn appeared to be limited to fallen trees, which narrowly missed nearby structures.
Kurt Fuchs, a resident of Fleming, Saskatchewan, shared his experience of being caught in the storm while driving home. He observed the aftermath of the storm in Elkhorn, where a store’s shed roof was torn off, causing debris to litter the streets. Dwayne Hohmann, division manager of the Twin Valley Co-op near Elkhorn, noted damage to the store’s lumber shed but emphasized that no injuries were reported.
Following a summer of wet weather in the region, parts of southwestern Manitoba received heavy rainfall prior to the tornado event. Kola recorded approximately 74 millimeters of rain, while St-Lazare and Duck Mountain Provincial Park received 41 and 37.8 millimeters, respectively. The weather system responsible for the recent storms is expected to dissipate, with some areas of Manitoba predicted to experience showers and isolated thunderstorms.
The community has rallied together to support those affected by the storm, showcasing resilience and solidarity during the cleanup efforts. The impact of the tornado serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community support in times of natural disasters.
