Severe thunderstorm watches in effect for part of western Manitoba

Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches are in effect for many parts of west-central Manitoba, Environment Canada says. 

The federal weather and climate agency issued the alerts Sunday afternoon, with the areas of Brandon, Dauphin, Melita, Riding Mountain National Park and areas in between affected. 

"Thunderstorms have developed along a cold front stretching from southeastern Saskatchewan into the Manitoba parklands. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe into the evening hours," the agency said. 

Severe thunderstorms Sunday evening could produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain, Environment Canada said. 

Such storms could also produce tornadoes, the agency said, advising people to keep watch for threatening weather and to seek shelter immediately. 

Environment Canada's weather alerts can be tracked on its website.