Tornado warnings were downgraded to severe thunderstorm warnings in southern Manitoba

Tornado warnings issued for parts of southern Manitoba earlier Monday have now ended, Environment Canada says.

Instead, severe thunderstorm warnings have already been issued for the rural municipalities of St. Francois Xavier, Cartier, Gray, Headingley and Portage la Prairie, which includes the communities of Ely, St. Eustace, Fanistel and St. Ambrose, the weather agency said in a statement on the 18th: 52 h

Meteorologists are tracking a storm in that area that Environment Canada says could bring very strong wind gusts to nickel-sized hail and heavy rain.

A storm located near Ely, Manchester, is moving east at 50 km/h and could bring with it wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, Environment Canada said.

A thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the rural municipality of Rosser, including Meadows.

The Met Office reminded people that large hail could damage property and injure people.

Strong gusts of wind can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, snap tree limbs and overturn large vehicles, the release said.

Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops, Environment Canada said, and strong thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes.

Other areas of southern Manitoba remain under a severe thunderstorm watch.