Days of smoke-filled skies seemed to disguise the arrival of an intense storm that hit Unity and surrounding area July 17.
Weather forecasters spent most of the day predicting severe weather in our area and by as early as 4 p.m. some communities had seen round one of this storm system.
Folks in Unity naively believed that after a brief thunder, lightening and rainstorm around 4:30 p.m. that was accompanied by a power outage, meant the storm was over. They were sadly mistaken as the system moved back around several times packing high winds, intense thunder and lightening.
The power outage was prolonged as brave SaskPower crews worked late into the night in dangerous, wet and stormy weather to restore power to a number of communities affected by it. Rumours a tornado had snapped power poles near Luseland and Kerrobert swirled, however nothing was confirmed and a plough wind was more likely the source of this damage.
Many folks hovered between safe basement shelter and curious amazement, watching while the storm raged in many communities. Some were heard saying the next day how each time they could breathe a sigh of relief believing the storm had moved on, the crack of lightening and high winds would emerge again.
Unity saw extensive tree damage, although amazingly enough, fallen trees somehow avoided property, houses and vehicles. The ball diamonds saw several large poplars come down. Numerous locations in Unity saw one large tree come down while several others in the same yard were left unscathed. Streets and lawns were full of small branches and leaves.
Luseland, Primate, Macklin, Denzil and all areas surrounding were hit with the storm that included large hail accompanied by high winds and heavy rains. There are reports there is much crop damage to be assessed.
Hundreds of photos shared with me and through social media showed the impact of the storm that included snapped trees, holes caused by large hail and even a swather and fifth wheel overturned.
As small town Saskatchewan is known for, people came out to help friends and neighbours following the storm helping to clean up debris as well as damaged and fallen trees left behind from the storm.
