Severe thunderstorm watches, warnings in effect for central, eastern and northern areas of Saskatchewan

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for central, eastern and some northern regions of the province.

There is now also a severe thunderstorm warning for the Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin and Carrot River areas.

The watch includes the Hudson Bay and Preeceville regions, as well as areas around La Loche, La Ronge, and Pelican Narrows.

Environment Canada says an approaching upper disturbance, combined with recent heat and moisture have made conditions favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms in central Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Severe thunderstorms can produce large hail, damaging winds and torrential rainfall.