Thunderstorms to reach Winnipeg overnight, says Environment Canada

A band of thunderstorms in southwestern Manitoba continue to move to the south and east, says Environment Canada.

A line of thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, ground lightning, large hail (the size of ping pong balls)and heavy rain are currently travelling across southern Manitobaabout 40kilometres per hour, said the agency.

Environment Canada expect rain to begin Thursday night in Winnipeg and stormy conditions, like thunder and lightning, to begin in the city before midnight.

The storm is expected to have move past Winnipeg before dawn and reach Ontario by early morning.

Other storm watchers have reported loonie-size hail near Fleming and Kirkella, said Environment Canada.

Radar indicates that between 50 mm and 60 mm of rain has fallen in the northern end of the line of thunderstorms betweenBeulahand Shoal Lake, the agency said.

Environment Canadais warning people in southwestern Manitoba:

• Heavy downpours can causeflash floods andwater pooling on roads.
• Large hail can damage property and cause injury.
• Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.