Environment Canada has issued severe storm warnings for Calgary and the surrounding regions, as meteorologists followed storms capable of producing strong winds, hail and torrential rains.
The weather agency also issued tornado clocks for the area, meaning conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms that can produce tornadoes.
He had previously issued tornado warnings for the region, which had urged people to seek refuge.
As of 5pm on Thursday, the Environment Canada map showed a large yellow stripe over much of Alberta, meaning severe storm clocks and, in some cases, tornado clocks. As of that time, there were eight red zones: areas where there were severe storm warnings. (Environment Canada)
Earlier in the day, meteorologists said they were also tracking a strong storm near Shantz, about 25 kilometers southeast of Sundre, which produced a tornado.
At 3:56 p.m., Environment Canada said the storm was no longer producing a tornado.
Tornado surveillance was also issued before 3 p.m. for the city and Red Deer region.
Sucking a lot of shields and spinning. Looking west from Springbank Road and Highway 22. 16:08 pic.twitter.com/nOKFOfPCtT
– @ SteevesKenny
Meteorologists are also tracking a strong storm west of Rocky Mountain House, traveling east, which may be able to produce nickel hail on a ping pong ball and heavy rain.
Tornado surveillance was also issued for areas within Brazeau County, Clearwater County, Yellowhead County, O’Chiese Reserve 203 and Clearwater County near Sunchild Cree Reserve.
Shortly before 3 p.m., a severe storm warning was issued for the areas around Milk River and Coutts, south of Alberta.
Around 3:30 p.m., Environment Canada said it was tracking a strong storm 10 miles south of Fort Assiniboine, about 160 miles northwest of Edmonton.
In the early hours of the day, the agency issued a severe storm alert for several other regions of the province (see below).
A large cone tornado has been lost sight of pic.twitter.com/lbSHOBjNRn
– @ lightningmanAB
The weather agency says the conditions are favorable for the development of dangerous storms, which may be able to produce strong winds, harm the hail and heavy rains.
Severe storms can also produce tornadoes, he said.
“Storms are expected in much of southern and central Alberta today,” Environment Canada said on its website at 10:27 a.m. Thursday.
“Some of these storms will be severe.”
Tornado pic.twitter.com/7Nzwl1HCV8
– @ lightningmanAB
The agency warned that very large hail can damage property, break glass, dent vehicles and cause serious injuries.
He also said very strong gusts of wind can damage buildings, drop trees and take large vehicles off the road.
If people hear thunder, they should go inside, the agency said, to avoid lightning nearby.
Environment Canada has a list of clocks and warnings of severe storms or tornadoes for the following regions:
Kyle Brittain, head of the Alberta office of the weather network, said the province is entering the peak tornado season, which usually lasts through July.
He said Alberta usually has an average of about 15 tornadoes a year. So far, the province has probably experienced two, which is a bit slower than expected, he said.
Bergen pic.twitter.com/X29ASTLkYg
– @ ratzlaff
“Here in Alberta, we depend heavily on local sources of moisture,” Brittain told the Calgary Eyeopener.
“So the amount of rain that falls in June and July can really shape our season. And it looked like we would have another year of drought at the beginning of the year, but that changed completely in June.
“Now we have a lot of water on the ground.”
He said that in the event of a tornado approaching, people should reach the lowest possible level in their home or a sturdy structure.
“The lower level interior room with no windows is the safest place to be,” he said, adding that people should be on the lookout for local media to get updates on what’s going on.
If someone is in a place like a mall or school, they recommend finding a sturdy room with solid walls, like maybe a bathroom.
Storm clouds near Bergen, Alta., Taken at 15:25 on Thursday. (Provided by Chris Ratzlaff)
What to do in case of a tornado
The Government of Canada’s Hazards and Emergencies website advises the following to protect yourself in the event of a tornado:
If you are in a house:
- Take refuge in the basement or in a small interior room on the ground floor such as a bathroom, a closet or a hallway.
- If there is no basement, sit under a heavy table or desk.
- Always avoid windows, exterior walls and doors.
The tornado continues near Bergen at 245:00 pic.twitter.com/phZasSTKbh
@KyleTWN
If you are in an office or apartment building:
- Access to a hallway or interior room, preferably in the basement or ground floor.
- Avoid the elevator.
- Stay away from windows.
If you live on a farm:
- The government says don’t worry about livestock, which will hear and hear tornadoes looming. If your family is at risk, don’t worry about livestock. If personal safety is not an issue, the government advises, you may have time to open escape routes for your livestock. It is advisable to leave the area on a tangent of the expected trajectory of the tornado.
If you are in a gym, church or auditorium:
- Large buildings with wide roofs can collapse if a wrecker hits, so if you’re in one of those buildings and you can’t get out, try to take refuge under a table or desk.
Avoid vehicles and mobile homes:
- The government says more than 50 percent of all tornado deaths occur in mobile homes.
- If you drive and observe a tornado in the distance, go to the nearest solid shelter.
- If there is no shelter, lie in a ditch away from the vehicle or mobile home. Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris.