Saskatoon bears brunt of a thunderstorm, more storms possible Tuesday

Many people in central Saskatchewan didn’t need their alarm clocks to wake up early Tuesday morning, thanks to the wild weather.

Severe thunderstorms watches and warnings issued by Environment Canada developed into powerful storms overnight. The storms moved eastward across the province bringing intense lighting, strong winds, small hail and heavy rainfall.

“It kind of hit Saskatoon dead on,” Meteorologist James Colangelo said. “This kind of storm is not super unusual.”

The storm was short-lived, but packed a punch. The rain came down so hard sidewalks around the city briefly disappeared, with storm drains unable to keep up with the deluge. There were reports of streets flooding around Market Mall and the underpass at Circle Dr. and Idylwyld Dr.

Kelly, a 650 CKOM listener, said he managed to avoid the flooded underpass during his drive at 5 a.m. He said several cars were not so lucky, with water reaching up to their doors.

“Two sedans were stuck in it,” he said. There were a few pickup trucks debating whether to give them a hand.”

The storm knocked out power to some neighbourhoods on the city’s east side, but electrical service was restored shortly after 8 a.m.

Colangelo suggested Regina could be in for some severe weather this afternoon.

“There is a chance we could see some thunderstorms, potentially severe later in the afternoon as that low pressure system makes its way into southern Manitoba,” he said.

“There is a little bit of unstable air left behind, so it could be stormy for Regina later today.”

Luckily for those in Regina, Tuesday might be the only day they see severe weather this week. Colangelo said his forecast shows clear skies throughout the rest of the week.

“We have that unsettled day today, but after that it looks to be fairly nice weather for the week here,” he explained. “We’ve got a high of 30 forecasted for Thursday. It’ll drop a little bit for Friday and Saturday, but Sunday, Monday into next week the temperatures rise up again.”