Tornado touches down west of St. Paul; Watch in effect for Lakeland area

Image captured near Saddle Lake

The Region of St. Paul Emergency Services has sent out a notification that a tornado has touched down west of St. Paul, near Saddle Lake.

The service is advising residents of the Region to take all precautions and to move indoors to a safe place.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes.

Showers with thunderstorms will continue this afternoon and evening. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe and possibly produce a tornado.

This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.

Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.

Tornado watch in effect for:

• Co. of St. Paul near Ashmont St. Vincent and St. Lina
• Co. of St. Paul near Elk Point and St. Edouard
• Co. of St. Paul near Lindbergh and Frog Lake
• Co. of St. Paul near St. Paul and Lafond
• Improvement District 349 including Cold Lake Air Weapons Range
• Lac La Biche Co. near Fork Lake
• Lac La Biche Co. near Heart Lake
• Lac La Biche Co. near Lac La Biche and Square Lake
• Lac La Biche Co. near Lakeland Prov. Park and Rec. Area
• Lac La Biche Co. near Plamondon Hylo and Avenir
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Beaverdam
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Bonnyville Ardmore and Kehewin Res.
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Cold Lake and City of Cold Lake
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Fishing Lake Smt
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Glendon and Moose Lake
• M.D. of Bonnyville near La Corey Wolf Lake and Truman
• Smoky Lake Co. near Buffalo Lake and Kikino Smts
• Smoky Lake Co. near Vilna Saddle Lake and Whitefish Lake