A tornado watch has been issued for various regions across Alberta, indicating that conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms which could produce tornadoes.
The advisory specifies that thunderstorms are expected to develop in the foothills later this afternoon. The storms could intensify, resulting in very large hail, very strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes. Environment Canada has urged residents to stay informed by monitoring weather alerts and forecasts.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the alert states. “Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.”
The affected areas include:
- Lacombe County (near Eckville, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Bentley, Clive, Alix, and Mirror)
- Red Deer County (near Sylvan Lake, Stephansson House, Spruce View, Red Lodge Provincial Park, Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden, Pine Lake, Elnora, Lousana, and Delburne)
- County of Stettler (near Stettler, Nevis, Rochon Sands, Big Valley, Donalda, Botha, Gadsby, Byemoor, and Endiang)
- City of Red Deer
- County of Paintearth (near Halkirk and Big Knife Provincial Park)
- Flagstaff County (near Forestburg and Galahad)
- Camrose County (near Bashaw and Meeting Creek)
- Ponoka County (near Ponoka and Maskwacis)
- Mountain View County (near Sundre, Olds, Didsbury, Cremona, Water Valley, Carstairs, and Stirlingville)
- Rocky View County (near Airdrie, Crossfield, Bottrel, Madden, Cochrane, Irricana, Beiseker, and Kathyrn)
- Kneehill County (near Torrington, Wimborne, Trochu, Huxley, Three Hills, Acme, Linden, and Carbon)
- Starland County (near Rumsey, Rowley, Morrin, Munson, Michichi, and Delia)
- Wheatland County (near Rockyford, Rosebud, Highways 569 and 848)
- Town of Drumheller
- Special Area 2 (near Finnegan and Little Fish Lake Provincial Park)
Residents in these regions are advised to stay alert and be prepared to take action if severe weather approaches. The Alberta Emergency Alert system and Environment Canada will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
For more information on active alerts and to track updates, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx