Funnel cloud alert issued for Battlefords region as tornado risk develops

Conditions in parts of southern Saskatchewan are favourable for funnel clouds and possible weak tornadoes Wednesday, prompting a special weather statement for the Battlefords region.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the statement shortly after noon, saying funnel clouds were expected to develop during the afternoon as rapidly growing clouds and weak thunderstorms formed.

The agency warned some of the funnel clouds could briefly intensify into weak landspout tornadoes before the threat diminishes later in the evening.

“Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances,” the statement said.