Severe thunderstorm warnings, watches issued in SW Sask.

Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings in southwestern Saskatchewan Thursday afternoon.

Tornado warnings lifted

The tornado warnings, which were lifted around 6 p.m., covered the Leader, Gull Lake, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Val Marie and Cypress Hills areas.

Tornado warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing tornadoes.

Severe thunderstorm warnings, watches continue

As of 6:45 p.m. Thursday, the severe thunderstorm warnings remain in place in the Leader, Gull Lake, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Val Marie, Cypress Hills, Swift Current, Herbert, Cabri, Kyle and Lucky Lake areas.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds and/or torrential rainfall.

The weather office also has watches in place in around Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Coronach, Estevan, Weyburn, Radville, Milestone,  Moose Jaw, Pense, Central Butte and Craik.

For updates later in the evening, visit Environment Canada’s Saskatchewan public weather alert page.