More twisters verified from July 10 outbreak
The July 10 severe weather outbreak in the North Battleford and Saskatoon regions has now yielded five confirmed tornadoes, according to new survey findings released by the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP). The additions bring Saskatchewan’s preliminary 2026 tornado count to 30, with researchers continuing to examine further reports from July 10 and 11 that could push that total higher.
"No injuries were reported in any of the events."
The confirmations include three EF1 tornadoes near Speers, Redberry Lake and along a path from Petrofka to Waldheim, as well as two EF0 tornadoes near Prud’Homme and Plunkett. In a separate assessment, the NTP also identified an EF0 downburst in the Rosthern area. While damage spanned trees, buildings and farm properties, particularly south and east of Speers and at a residential site east of Redberry Lake, the absence of reported injuries stands out amid the scope of the outbreak.
Survey details: timing, wind speeds and track widths
NTP field and drone teams documented key characteristics of the storm tracks. The EF1 tornado near Speers touched down at approximately 3:25 p.m., producing estimated peak winds of 150 km/h, travelling nearly eight kilometres and widening to a maximum of 1.08 kilometres. The EF1 near Redberry Lake formed around 4:05 p.m. with a similar wind estimate of 150 km/h, covering just over six kilometres and reaching a maximum width of 760 metres. Ground and drone surveys of the Redberry Lake event were completed on July 13.
The third EF1 — described by the NTP as the strongest and longest-tracked of the group — developed south of Petrofka and moved east toward Waldheim. Witnesses captured photos and video of that tornado as it progressed. Two additional tornadoes, both EF0, were confirmed near Prud’Homme and Plunkett.
| Location | Rating | Max wind (km/h) | Path length | Max width | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speers | EF1 | 150 | ~8 km | 1.08 km | ~3:25 p.m. |
| Redberry Lake (east of) | EF1 | 150 | just over 6 km | 760 m | ~4:05 p.m. |
| Petrofka–Waldheim | EF1 | — | — | — | — |
| Prud’Homme | EF0 | — | — | — | — |
| Plunkett | EF0 | — | — | — | — |
In addition to the tornadoes, the NTP confirmed an EF0 downburst in the Rosthern area. Downbursts are intense downward bursts of wind from a thunderstorm; the Rosthern survey noted localized damage consistent with those conditions.
Season totals approaching historic benchmarks
With 30 tornadoes now tallied in Saskatchewan so far this year, the province is within three of the 33 tornadoes recorded in 2012, and 11 short of the provincial record of 41 set in 1999. The NTP says additional potential events from July 10 and 11 remain under investigation, which means the 2026 total could rise further.
While the preliminary count underscores an active severe weather season, the latest confirmations also highlight variability in storm intensity across the region. The EF1 tracks near Speers, Redberry Lake and Petrofka–Waldheim produced stronger wind signatures and broader paths, while the EF0 events near Prud’Homme and Plunkett were rated at the lower end of the damage scale. Across these communities, survey teams documented trees snapped or uprooted, outbuildings damaged and, in at least one case east of Redberry Lake, harm to a home and garage.
Communities affected and next steps
- Speers: EF1 damage to trees, buildings and farm properties south and east of town.
- Redberry Lake (east side): EF1 damage to trees, a home and a garage.
- Petrofka–Waldheim: EF1 tornado observed by witnesses, described as the strongest and longest-tracked among the group.
- Prud’Homme and Plunkett: EF0 tornadoes confirmed.
- Rosthern: EF0 downburst verified.
For residents across the Saskatoon region who experienced last week’s storms, the NTP’s findings provide a more complete picture of where the tornado tracks developed and how intense they were. As researchers continue to evaluate additional reports from the same outbreak window, the provincial tally — already high for mid-July — bears continued watching.
