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Tornado hunter Greg Johnson captured this tornado at Spiritwood on July 11, 2026. (Image Credit: Submitted/Greg Johnson)
Storm aftermath

Power outages, storm damage stretch across northern Saskatchewan

Jul 12, 2026 | 11:49 AM

A series of wild summer storms left devastation in their paths from the far west side of the province near Onion Lake, to the northeast by Kinistino and Carrot River. 

By Sunday morning, power had been restored to a majority of customers in north central Saskatchewan including Prince Albert, La Ronge, Candle Lake and surrounding rural areas, but Tisdale, Nipawin, and the Carrot River area remained without power. SaskPower said crews were working to restore services, but did not provide an estimate for the repair time. 

Emergency personnel worked through the night in Kinistino to repair damage following the storm.
Emergency personnel worked through the night in Kinistino to repair damage following the storm. (Image Credit: Kinistino Fire Department/Facebook)

The Town of Carrot River said many properties have damage from falling trees and there are several downed power lines. Residents are being asked to conserve water use while the power is out so the town’s infrastructure can keep up.  

The town of Kinistino is reporting significant damage with countless trees toppled over.
The town of Kinistino is reporting significant damage with countless trees toppled over. (Image Credit: Submitted/Karen Cay)

It’s a similar situation in Kinistino, about 20 minutes west of Melfort. Emergency personnel worked through the night to try and restore power. The Ag World dealership roof collapsed, bins were blown over, and there are reports a shed owned by the Rural Municipality is also damaged. One resident told paNOW, it will take days to remove the broken trees and branches from her yard. 

In Prince Albert, an ominous dark sky on Saturday night brought with it plow winds, heavy rain and hail. There was also localized flooding in some areas that appeared to be clear by Sunday morning. 

An ominous dark cloud hovered over the city of Prince Albert on the evening of July 11, 2026, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rain and hail.
An ominous dark cloud hovered over the city of Prince Albert on the evening of July 11, 2026, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rain and hail. (Image Credit: Submitted)

To the west of Prince Albert, there are multiple reports that a tornado touched down near Spiritwood.  

The Northern Tornado Project confirmed a pair of tornadoes that occurred with a single storm close to Glaslyn Saturday night. The group said the confirmations are based on visual evidence, and no damage or injuries have been reported. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) confirmed a tornado near Tulliby Lake, Alta. just ten minutes west of Onion Lake, Sask around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. The weather service said it received images of the tornado as well as damage along its path. 

Several area residents posted videos of the tornado touching down and remnants of a vacant building that was completely torn apart. 

Remnants of a building hit by a tornado near Onion Lake on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The building was vacant at the time.
Remnants of a building hit by a tornado near Onion Lake on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The building was vacant at the time. (Image Credit: Barb Rowe/Facebook)

On Sunday morning, there were no longer any tornado or storm warnings, however,  ECCC Heat Warnings blanketed much of the province. Humidex values are expected to reach 40 C across north central Saskatchewan, with temperatures exceeding 30 C in some areas. Overnight lows will remain high as well, not dropping below 14 C.  

panews@pattisonmedia.com