Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for much of southeastern Manitoba.

A tornado watch is in effect for much of southeastern Manitoba (photo credit: Environment Canada). Residents living in Steinbach, Niverville, and St. Pierre as well as those in the RMs of Hanover, La Broquerie, De Salaberry, Ritchot, Ste. Anne, Stuartburn, Tache, and Emerson-Franklin are advised that the weather conditions forecasted for this afternoon are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may include tornadoes.

In addition to tornadoes, Environment Canada indicates that the storm may also bring hail larger than the size of golf balls and wind gusts of around 110 km/h.

The tornado threat is expected to diminish later this evening.