A paNOW reader snapped this photo of a tornado in Hafford near Blaine Lake on July 8, 2022. (Submitted Photo/Brendan Harbison)

By paNOW Staff

CONFIRMED

Meteorologists confirm tornado in Blaine Lake during Friday’s storm

Jul 9, 2022 | 12:00 PM

It was quite the sight for many in the Blaine Lake area as a tornado did in fact touch down.

Environment Canada confirmed that three twisters were reported in the Paynton area near North Battleford and one touched down in Blaine Lake.

“The Blaine Lake one was on the ground for a while,” said Regional Meteorologist Terri Lang. “We do have reports of damage in the area so that has to be investigated.”

The funnel clouds spurned from an afternoon of heavy thunderstorm activity which prompted a tornado warning for Blaine Lake and a watch for Prince Albert and surrounding communities.

“Right about on cue, they fired up and the tornadoes produced. We knew the potential was there,” added Lang.

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It’s not the first time that a tornado has been spotted as one touched down in Foam Lake at the end of last month.

However, Lang pointed out that we are just below average for tornadoes in the province this season.

“The average number of tornadoes in Saskatchewan is 17. The last couple of years have been very quiet so we kinda forget that this is more typical of what a severe weather season is like in Saskatchewan.”

Lang added they only had eight reported tornadoes last year. So far, about 15 have been catalogued this season.

Environment Canada is forecasting the potential for more severe weather to hit parts of northern and central Saskatchewan for the remainder of the weekend.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow