Growers are out assessing the damage after a string of powerful thunderstorms dropped rain, hail and multiple reported tornadoes onto fields in Manitoba.
Manitoba Agriculture’s weather station network reported just over 21 millimetres of rain at Birtle and Forrest, north of Brandon, and just under 11 millimetres in spots of the northwest like Grandview.
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Rainfall reports in central Manitoba put hot spots at Austin, Elm Creek and Gladstone, of which saw 12-14 millimetres.
Those in the path of thunderstorm patches saw bursts of heavy rain.
Pea- to toonie-sized hail was reported in affected regions.
Taking to social media, local storm chasers reported at least four tornado sightings.
Storm chaser Braydon Morisseau posted footage of one large twister west of Swan Lake. Pictures of damage at the Swan Lake First Nations Powwow Grounds were later posted to X (formerly Twitter).
Scott Kehler, president and chief scientist with meteorology company Weatherlogics, reported two tornadoes near Rivers, two around Baldur and a possible fifth, also in western Manitoba. Videos and photos were posted via X. Kehler also recorded evidence of rotating thunderstorms and storm damage in and around Morden.
