Possible tornado being investigated in Manitoba community
Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is investigating a possible tornado in Binscarth, Man. on Thursday night.
The weather agency said that it doesn’t have sufficient evidence yet to confirm the tornado, but meteorologists are investigating and looking for pictures of the suspected tornado or any damage it may have caused.
This news comes after a strong thunderstorm moved into Manitoba on Thursday night and into Friday morning. During this time, the storm brought large hail to several communities.
According to Environment Canada, Binscarth and Rossburn received baseball-sized hail that in some cases, broke windows and damaged sidings.
Those in Oakburn were hit with hail that ranged in size from golf balls to tennis balls, while Plumas and Clear Lake got toonie-sized hail.
Environment Canada reported that Sandy Lake received quarter-sized hail, and Waywayseecappo got nickel-sized hail.
Along with hail, the storm also brought heavy winds that reached over 100 km/h in some communities.
According to Environment Canada, Pilot Mound got winds as strong as 104 km/h, while in Russell and Clearwater, they reached 91 km/h. Manitou also experienced strong winds that got as fast as 89 km/h.
Those with information about the potential tornado in Binscarth or any severe weather event are asked to call 1-800-239-0484, email mbstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet with the hashtag #mbstorm.
'IT CAME RIGHT AT US'
Darcy Kowalchuk was at his home in Binscarth when ECCC issued a tornado warning for the community. Weather radar appeared to show the storm would track north of Binscarth, so Kowalchuk went outside to see what was brewing.
That’s when he spotted what looked like a super cell cloud.
“The giant cell seemed to pause and then it made a little turn, and it came right at us. You could see it developing its structure as time went on,” he recalled.
As it approached, he said the wind rapidly switched directions and the temperature changed.
“We prepared to go to the basement,” he said.
Kowalchuk watched the storm pass from the basement window, initially thinking it would miss them.
“Then the hail was at the back end of it,” he said, estimating golf ball to baseball-sized hail fell for almost five minutes.
Golf ball sized hail is pictured in Binscarth, Manitoba following a storm on June 23, 2022. (Twitter photo: Darcy Kowalchuk @DarcyKowalchuk)
The hail made big holes on the siding on the north side of his home, plus it took out a plastic skylight and a camper window.
A second storm later that night bringing heavy rain, wind and lightning didn’t help matters, either.
Kowalchuk said this is the second storm in five days in the area. He filmed them and others over the years and shared them on social media.
“Someone called me a storm chaser and I said, ‘well, that's not correct because I've videoed three weather events from my deck.’ It's not like I'm actually chasing them. They're chasing me,” he laughed.
- With files from CTV’s Tim Salzen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.