Environment Canada has put out severe thunderstorm watches across southern and portions of central Saskatchewan.

"We are anticipating that there will be thunderstorm development this afternoon," stated Heather Pimiskern with Environment Canada. 

"Already in Meadow Lake area and areas in the south, we do have some thunderstorms that are already occurring and we are expecting that thunderstorms will continue to occur and possible develop later this afternoon." 

"Specifically for Estevan we are looking at a timing of this afternoon for showers and thunderstorms. The risk associated with the thunderstorms would be high winds, possibly some large hail and possibly some heavy down pours as well," shared Heather.

"When any thunderstorm approaches an area we would advise you to seek shelter. If you feel that the weather is threatening in anyway, shape or form to yourself, feel free to take a center room in your home or go to the basement."

The strong winds that are already making their way into the area have already caused some havoc, taking out power near noon in the northern portion of Estevan, which also happened to render the stop lights inoperative and thus throwing a curveball at the lunch hour traffic.

There's no word as of yet as to when the power will be restored.

 

SaskPower notified the public of the loss of power in the northern part of Estevan via Twitter.