Residents of southeastern Manitoba are encouraged to keep an eye on the sky today. According to Environment Canada, conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds.

Areas of southeastern Manitoba have been experiencing scattered showers and thunderstorms today. That is expected to continue over the next few hours, diminishing later this afternoon.

Environment Canada notes these types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.

If conditions become more favourable for the development of landspout tornadoes, watches and warnings will be issued by Environment Canada.

Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.

Environment Canada says all funnel clouds sightings should be taken seriously. Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning.