People in Brandon and other areas of southwestern Manitoba were advised to take cover as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms moved across the region Friday afternoon.

Several funnel clouds were spotted near the western Manitoba city of about 40,000 just after 3 p.m. CT Friday. Weather officials said the tornadoes were spotted west of the city, travelling east.

The tornado threat passed within the hour. Environment Canada downgraded the alarms to severe thunderstorm warnings by 4 p.m., although residents were advised to closely monitor weather reports.

"Reports that we had was that it touched down, it lifted up and then it touched down again," said Dale Marciski, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

"That may be the case with this for a while. But certainly, it's a dangerous situation for people in that area and it's the time to take action."

Several witnesses see twisters touch down

Brandon resident Brent Campbell spoke to CBC News as he watched a funnel cloud touch down near the airport.

"It kind of appeared out of the sky. As we were driving, going north past the airport, we saw it form," he told CBC News shortly after 3 p.m. CT.

"It's a funnel cloud, it's coming down out of the sky and there's a whole bunch of dust and debris at the base of the cloud, swirling around."

Campbell said he planned to drive in the opposite direction from the way the tornado was travelling.

Erwin Warkentin II, a flying instructor at the Brandon Flying Club, spotted several tornadoes pass just north of the airport.

"We saw probably about three," he said. "They didn't look that big, but they were big enough to us to raise a couple of eyebrows."

There have been no reports of injuries or serious property damage.

The funnel clouds were accompanied by heavy rain and hail.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued for many areas in southern Manitoba as the storm tracked east across the province.

Basements provide best protection

According to most weather authorities, including Environment Canada, the best option in the event of a tornado is to head for the basement.

People who don't have basements or can't get to one can get in a closet or small room near the centre of a building, away from windows or doors. Environment Canada suggests getting into the bathtub and covering up with a mattress.

Otherwise, get underneath a sturdy piece of furniture that can be used as a shield from falling or flying debris.

People caught outdoors or in a vehicle should get to the nearest ditch and lie low, shielding their head with their arms.

If in a mobile home, get out and find a permanent shelter (preferably with a basement) or find a ditch. According to Environment Canada, more than half of all tornado deaths occur in mobile homes.