With temperatures continuing to warm up as spring progresses, the likelihood of encounters with severe storms increases.

According to a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, any storm not just severe thunderstorms have the potential to be remarkably dangerous.

Meteorologists often don't have the opportunity to share their message with the populous shares Natalie Hasell, so when communities invite them to speak at an event, she says they jump at the chance.

Hasell recently spoke to residents of Roland at a Thunderstorm Safety Training Workshop, she says most who attended were those who worked in emergency coordination, but she says identifying the severity of storms can be a vital skill for anyone.

"We have to consider whether it's dangerous or not, and sometimes people are misinformed so they don't act in time, or they don't know. Hopefully, through these types of sessions and through the information that is available through our website, people can learn what they should do in times of severe weather."

Hasell notes that though they may not put out a warning for every thunderstorm, those kinds of storms are defined by lightning and lightning can be lethal, so it's essential to be aware that every thunderstorm can present a significant threat.

Although not common in the area, tornadic storms are also of concern and Hasell says people need to learn how to identify various storms and what steps are required to remain safe.

*Listen for weather warnings or looks for weather updates online;

*Locate escape routes and safe-zones, and whether you can get in and out;

*In a thunderstorm avoid windows, doors, and conductive materials;

*Avoid areas which are prone to flash flooding;

*For a tornado go to a room with as many walls as possible preferable a basement, avoid large buildings with flat roofs as they aren't designed to withstand strong winds.

However, Hasell says the first action should be communicating with friends, family or colleagues.

"Communication is more than just being able to receive the alerts. If you're driving somewhere where are you going, what roads are you taking to get there, how long do you think it will take, so communicate that. Tell people so that if you don't show up or don't call in, somebody knows or can get help if it turns out you do need help."

Hasell adds Environment Canada wants to provide residents with the information they need to remain safe while being able to explore Manitoba.

For more details on identifying weather and the steps to protect oneself, visit Environment Canada's website.