According to a weather summary report by Environment Canada, a strong bow echo-type thunderstorm passed through parts of southeastern Saskatchewan early morning Sunday. Some residents confirm they were woken up by strong gusts and loud thunder at roughly 5 a.m.
Environment Canada said the storm caused widespread wind damage along with heavy rainfall. Crystal Rankin lives in a mobile trailer in Welwyn — a special service area more than 200 kilometres east of Regina. Rankin said they had an uprooted tree in their front yard after the storm.
"It's a huge tree, it's got a wicked big trunk on it, and so we just sat and waited it out. It was just super loud and lots of thunder, lots of lightning, and the wind was just incredible. I thought maybe we would blow away actually," she said.
"It was pretty scary — probably the scariest storm I've ever experienced."
Environment Canada's report gives a brief summary of reported damage:
- Arcola, Sask. — Large trees were uprooted.
- Whitebear Lake, Sask. — Nickel-size hail.
- Maryfield, Sask. — Toonie-size hail.
- Welwyn, Sask. — Strong winds snapped large living trees in half.
- Broadview, Sask. — Wind gust of 91 km/h from an Environment Canada station.
Environment Canada hasn't reported injuries or loss of life because of the storm.
Rankin said she walked on the street after the storm subsided to see and check on neighbours.
"I couldn't believe how many people had damage in their yards from trees and roads were blocked from trees," she said.
Amber Hamilton, Welwyn's caretaker, said most residents she heard from had taken cover in their basements as soon as the weather turned turbulent.
"I live in a house that's over a hundred years old and our house was shaking, and our house never shakes," she said.
"You couldn't see outside, you couldn't see what was happening. Not only was it dark but the rain and the winds were so hard, it was crazy."
Hamilton said "a good majority" of the clean-up process was completed through the day on Sunday, with only some scattered trees and branches remaining to be picked up. Some community members ended up working for more than 12 hours to help clean the space, she said.
"You don't think about it until you come home and then you think about it and your heart is full. You just think what you've just been through and you think about how everyone just got together," Hamilton said.
The Impact on Communities
The storm's aftermath left communities in southeastern Saskatchewan dealing with the significant damage caused by strong winds, hail, and heavy rain. The uprooted trees, blocked roads, and damaged buildings were testament to the storm's destructive power. Residents rallied together to clean up the debris and support each other. However, the storm's impact wasn't limited to physical damage. It also instilled a sense of awe and appreciation for the power of nature.
A Reminder of Nature's Fury
The thunderstorm that swept across southeastern Saskatchewan served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather. The residents of Welwyn, in particular, were left shaken by the storm's intensity. The storm's impact underscores the importance of staying informed about weather forecasts and taking necessary precautions during severe weather events.
