Tornado warnings lifted in parts of western Manitoba

Some tornado warnings were lifted earlier than others as wild winds and dark clouds swept through western Manitoba Friday night.

Brandon, Neepawa, Carberry and the surrounding areas were placed under a tornado watch a less imminent threat than a warning for a time just after 10 p.m. CT.

Tornado watches were also issued nearer to the Canada-U.S. borderin Melita, Boissevain and Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.

Tornado warningsin place for Virden, Souris and nearby communities were downgraded to watches just before 10:30 p.m. CT.Meanwhile, Environment Canada issued a tornado warningfor the Minnedosa, Riding Mountain National Park and surrounding areas just after 8 p.m. CT Friday that was called off just before 10 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm movedthrough the area that Environment Canada saidcould bring with it damaging winds, large hail and intense rain.

CBC Manitoba meteorologist John Saudersaidconditions that could lead to tornadoes in the eveningwould likely diminish as the storm headedeast. Several unconfirmed reports of funnel clouds weretweeted early Friday nightin Saskatchewan.

Overnight, the storm was expected tohead over the Red River Valley, bringingup to 50 millimetres of rainfall per hour and up to 100 kilometre-an-hour winds. Similar storm systems have causedhail the size of baseballs in the past.

More details on weather watches and warnings are available on Environment Canada's website.