Environment Canada issued multiple warnings for southeast Saskatchewan Sunday afternoon, citing severe thunderstorms, heat and tornado watches.
Locations included in the warning were Kennedy, Kipling, Ocean Man First Nations, Glenavon, Wawota, Windthorst and Kenosee Lake.
“At 3:15 p.m. CST, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking severe thunderstorms that are possibly producing multiple tornadoes. Damaging winds, large hail, and locally intense rainfall are also possible,” Environment Canada said.
“Doppler radar indicates one potential tornado near Kipling, SK,” Environment Canada said.
“Strong gusty winds, heavy rain, and large hail will also accompany any severe thunderstorms that form,” Environment Canada added.
The worst of the weather system blew in on Sunday afternoon and by 3:30 pm the rain had turned to hail.
Kipling had fairly robust storms on Sunday late afternoon then again on Monday evening.
“There was heavy rain,” said Pat Jackson, Mayor of Kipling. “We have heard everything from about seven tenths to close to two and a half inches in the span of about 20 minutes.”
Kipling had hail ranging from pea sized to about golf ball size dependent upon the location in town. Accompanying this were high winds which caused the majority of the damage.
The power was out for close to eight hours from just as the storm hit until nearly midnight.
SaskPower worked diligently to repair lines that had, in most cases, been dragged down by trees that were either broken or uprooted.
“We don’t have a count of how many trees are damaged, but these were mature trees, many 40 to 50 years old,” said Jackson. “Some are definitely damaged to the point of requiring removal.”
Residential properties had their share of damage with trees downed and with some garages, homes, and vehicles sustaining damage. There was one report of a camper overturned. Water damage to basements is only now coming to light so an accurate assessment is still to be made.
Jackson goes on to say:
“Municipal structures and parks show serious damage to the tree populations. The ball diamonds sustained damage to two dugouts therefore repair or replacement is a priority as the Bobby Vargo Tournament is slated for the Long Weekend. Possible structural damage to town buildings is still being assessed.”
“Water was never jeopardized as power was not off at the wells, however residents were asked to limit use of water and especially sewer to give the lift stations, powered by generators, time to remove the excess water that was causing localized street flooding.”
“Council has requested a PDAP designation in order for non-insurance claims to be assessed. The town office will be notifying residents of this so that they may get the applications, ask questions, and make claims as required.”
Harley McCarthy, Administrator with Village of Windthorst, gave an update on how the storm affected that area:
“Windthorst received six to nine tenths of rain on Sunday depending on the area. Reports of pea size hail was received but didn’t last too long. Windthorst was without power for two hours.”
“There was no damage reported to houses, garages, vehicles or otherwise and thankfully no one reported having issues with their basements flooding.”
Reports from the Kennedy Langbank area included large hail, wind and rain as well.
Large fertilizer and grain bins in various communities were blown over.
Environment Canada issued multiple warnings for southeast Saskatchewan Sunday afternoon, citing severe thunderstorms, heat and tornado watches.
Locations included in the warning were Kennedy, Kipling, Ocean Man First Nations, Glenavon, Wawota, Windthorst and Kenosee Lake.
“At 3:15 p.m. CST, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking severe thunderstorms that are possibly producing multiple tornadoes. Damaging winds, large hail, and locally intense rainfall are also possible,” Environment Canada said.
“Doppler radar indicates one potential tornado near Kipling, SK,” Environment Canada said.
“Strong gusty winds, heavy rain, and large hail will also accompany any severe thunderstorms that form,” Environment Canada added.
The worst of the weather system blew in on Sunday afternoon and by 3:30 pm the rain had turned to hail.
Kipling had fairly robust storms on Sunday late afternoon then again on Monday evening.
“There was heavy rain,” said Pat Jackson, Mayor of Kipling. “We have heard everything from about seven tenths to close to two and a half inches in the span of about 20 minutes.”
Kipling had hail ranging from pea sized to about golf ball size dependent upon the location in town. Accompanying this were high winds which caused the majority of the damage.
The power was out for close to eight hours from just as the storm hit until nearly midnight.
SaskPower worked diligently to repair lines that had, in most cases, been dragged down by trees that were either broken or uprooted.
“We don’t have a count of how many trees are damaged, but these were mature trees, many 40 to 50 years old,” said Jackson. “Some are definitely damaged to the point of requiring removal.”
Residential properties had their share of damage with trees downed and with some garages, homes, and vehicles sustaining damage. There was one report of a camper overturned. Water damage to basements is only now coming to light so an accurate assessment is still to be made.
Jackson goes on to say:
“Municipal structures and parks show serious damage to the tree populations. The ball diamonds sustained damage to two dugouts therefore repair or replacement is a priority as the Bobby Vargo Tournament is slated for the Long Weekend. Possible structural damage to town buildings is still being assessed.”
“Water was never jeopardized as power was not off at the wells, however residents were asked to limit use of water and especially sewer to give the lift stations, powered by generators, time to remove the excess water that was causing localized street flooding.”
“Council has requested a PDAP designation in order for non-insurance claims to be assessed. The town office will be notifying residents of this so that they may get the applications, ask questions, and make claims as required.”
Harley McCarthy, Administrator with Village of Windthorst, gave an update on how the storm affected that area:
“Windthorst received six to nine tenths of rain on Sunday depending on the area. Reports of pea size hail was received but didn’t last too long. Windthorst was without power for two hours.”
“There was no damage reported to houses, garages, vehicles or otherwise and thankfully no one reported having issues with their basements flooding.”
Reports from the Kennedy Langbank area included large hail, wind and rain as well.
Large fertilizer and grain bins in various communities were blown over.
