Severe weather knocks out power to much of southeastern Sask.

Southeastern Saskatchewan was battered by severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon.

The storm brought high winds, flash flooding and large hail, knocking down power poles and damaging vehicles. 

Power is out in a large area southeast of Weyburn to the Manitoba border.

SaskPower is reporting a lot of damage on power poles and transmission lines. As well, the entire Boundary Dam power station is out due to flooding. SaskPower is trying to reroute power from Manitoba Hydro.

At one point, Environment Canada issued tornado warnings. All weather warnings have now ended.

Storm chasers roaming

While the conditions may be a cause for concern for some residents in the area, they were a source of excitement for Braydon Morisseau. 

Morisseau is with Prairie Storm Chasers, based out of Calgary, but was in Carlyle Thursday afternoon. The group chases storms during the summer months and relays information to Environment Canada.

He's been chasing storms for the last eight years.

"Right now, the only inhibiting factor [for a tornado] is this morning cloud cover that's kind of lingering around," Morisseau said. 

"I do think there is a good chance of seeing a tornado today," he added. 

Tornado tips

"Have a plan and know what to do should these severe storms develop," said Terri Lang, warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment Canada.

Lang said people shouldn't wait until a potential tornado actually touches down before leaving or seeking a safe area.

If a tornado touches down, Environment Canada advises that people go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.

Lang emphasized that if there is a thunderstorm in your area, you should not stand under trees as it could be potentially dangerous if there is a lightning strike.