Northern Tornadoes Project says six tornadoes formed during June 12 storms

A weather tracking project says at least six tornadoes formed in Saskatchewan and Manitoba during storms that passed over the prairies last Wednesday.

The Northern Tornadoes Project – which was founded in 2017 at Western University – said its early results indicate the storms on June 12 resulted in six tornadoes and one downburst, which occurred southeast of Yorkton near Saltcoats, Sask., and across the Manitoba border in St. Alphonse and areas close to Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

According to the Northern Tornadoes Project, drone and ground surveys were used to make the determination, with analysis still being completed on photo and video evidence, along with satellite imagery.

During the storm, Environment Canada issued warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in parts of the province.

An update on the NTP investigations of the June 12 storms in SK and MB. Ground/drone surveys have been conducted, and analysis of photo/video evidence and satellite imagery is continuing.

Preliminary results: at least 6 tornadoes and 1 downburst developed. #SKstorm #MBstorm 1/2 pic.twitter.com/L9akjROViz

— Northern Tornadoes Project (@westernuNTP) June 17, 2024

But while some shared pictures and footage of tornadoes to social media, Environment Canada said last week that it didn’t have enough evidence to confirm the tornadoes occurred.

Laurie Murray said she saw a twister near Saltcoats on Wednesday.

While she didn’t see it touch down, Murray said she saw a bit of damage done in a vacant farmyard, which she believes was left in the aftermath of a tornado.

“There is wood all over the road and in the ditch and trees down in the yard,” she said. “I kind of looked at the yard on my way home, but I could not see much damage to the buildings.”

–with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink