Severe thunderstorm warnings for southern Manitoba downgraded to watches

Severe thunderstorm warnings havebeen lifted for a swath of central Manitoba, including Winnipeg.

Environment Canada downgraded thewarnings to watches around 10 p.m. on Friday evening after issuing the alertsearlier in the day.

Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe storms stretching from the Gimliarea southwest towards St. Agathe.

The storms are capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-sized hail and heavy rain and heading southeast at 70 km/h. A 91 km/h gust was recorded at Winnipeg's James Richardson International Airport.

Earlier Friday afternoon, the group issued severe thunderstorm watchesfor an area encompassing Swan River, south to the U.S. border, including Brandon, east to Morden, Winkler, Altona and Morris and up into the Interlake.

The watches have been lifted for the southwestern part of the province.

• Environment Canada weather alerts

Environment Canada said a cold front is triggering thunderstorms as it slices into an unstable airmass currently situated over southern Manitoba.

The weather threat cameafter a hot day across Manitoba, with many locations nearing or exceeding 30 C daytime highs. Anumber of communities set heatrecords.

• Hot weather sizzles into Manitoba, breaks 6 records for heat

Environment Canada warns that thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, while heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

The severe weather threat will continue to shift east this evening, an Environment Canada alert said.