Severe thunderstorm watches, warnings lifted in west-central Sask.

UPDATE: Environment Canada lifted all severe thunderstorm watches and warnings late Saturday night.

Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings, along with a few wind warnings for several parts of west-central Saskatchewan Saturday afternoon.

As of 7 p.m., the severe thunderstorm warnings covered areas around the Battlefords and Meadow Lake.

The severe thunderstorm watch included the Saskatoon, Martensville, Lloydminster,  Prince Albert, Kindersley and Buffalo Narrows areas.

According to Environment Canada’s weather alert, “conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.”

The thunderstorms are expected to move in on a cold front from east-central Alberta Saturday afternoon.

As the evening progresses, the weather office noted the severe thunderstorm watches and warnings could be expanded eastward across Saskatchewan.

Wind warnings issued

Just before 4:30 p.m., the weather office added wind warnings to the Rosetown, Leader and Unity regions. The warnings remained in place as of 7 p.m.

Environment Canada noted the same east-central Alberta cold front is forecast to cause wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break,” Environment Canada wrote in its weather alert.

The severe winds are expected to taper off early Saturday evening as the cold front tracks eastwards.

Are you in west-central Saskatchewan? You can email your storm photos to webnews@rawlco.com