Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watches in central Sask.

Severe thunderstorm watches were issued early Thursday afternoon for parts of central Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada issued watches for the areas around La Ronge, Prince Albert National Park and Narrow Hills Provincial Park, along with a warning for the R.M. of Torch River, including Choiceland and White Fox.

Watches mean conditions are right for a severe thunderstorm to develop, while warnings mean storms are imminent or already occurring.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” the weather service said in a statement.

“Thunderstorms have developed, and some of these thunderstorms may become severe this afternoon and early this evening. The severe thunderstorms should weaken early this evening.”

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when storms are imminent or already occurring.

More information is available on the Environment Canada alerts page.