Thunderstorm and tornado warnings are in effect for parts of west central Alberta as severe weather events move east across the province.
Environment Canada posted a tornado warning around 2:25 p.m. for Clearwater County near Rocky Mountain House and Crimson Lake as well as near Nordegg and Big Horn Reserve.
The alert warns people in or near the area to be on the lookout and to take necessary precautions. Doppler radar indicated a potential tornado near Saunders, according to the post.
POSSIBLE TORNADO, 2:17PM: a rotating severe thunderstorm currently west of Saunders is possibly producing a tornado. If you are in the area, seek shelter indoors immediately. If you are on the highway, shelter in a ditch or ravine. Follow <a href=”https://twitter.com/AB_EmergAlert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@AB_EmergAlert</a> for updates. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbStorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#AbStorm</a> <a href=”https://t.co/YeV714Vlv5″>https://t.co/YeV714Vlv5</a>
—@YourAlberta
A tornado was also seen touching down outside of Coronation, Alta. earlier today.
The weather service is also tracking multiple severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, nickel to ping pong ball-sized hail and heavy rain.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect as of 2:15 p.m. for:
- Yellowhead County near Cadomin and Robb
- Yellowhead County near Edson and Sundance Provincial Park
- Yellowhead County near Big Berland and the Wildhay River
- M.D. of Big Lakes near Driftpile and Kinuso
- M.D. of Greenview near Fox Creek
- M.D. of Greenview near Grande Cache Botten and Amundson
Environment Canada recommends to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches, warning of heavy downpours causing flash floods and damage or injury caused by large hail.
Lightning also kills and injures Canadians every year.
Heat warnings remain in effect throughout much of the province. Severe thunderstorm watches are also in effect for many areas.