Tornado watch

Tornadoes in Alberta? Hold Onto Your Hats!

Central Alberta is under a tornado watch! Discover what to expect from these severe thunderstorms this afternoon!

Central Alberta is buzzing with weather warnings as Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch alert for the region this Wednesday afternoon. Communities from Lacombe to Calgary are on high alert, as the atmospheric conditions are ripe for the development of severe thunderstorms that could unleash violent tornadoes! It’s that time of year again, folks - when our Canadian skies can turn from clear blue to stormy gray quicker than you can say 'poutine'! So, keep an eye on the skies and don’t forget your raincoat!

At around 7:28 p.m. MDT, Environment Canada meteorologists detected severe storm activity that’s suspected to be spawning tornadoes in the area. Dubbed supercell thunderstorms, these weather systems pack a powerful punch, bringing with them damaging winds, unusually large hail, and heavy rainfall. While Alberta is known for its beautiful landscapes and friendly people, the weather can certainly have a mind of its own. So, if you live in central Alberta, it might be a great excuse to cozy up at home with a hot chocolate (and maybe keep a few marshmallows handy for later).

For those outside of Alberta, you might be wondering how such weather phenomena arise. Tornado watches are issued when conditions align perfectly for thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. The forecast for severe storms stretches across much of central Alberta, cautioning residents of potential thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. It's a good moment to stock up on snacks because, if Alberta, famed for its unpredictable weather, is your home, you might just face another weather wild card.

As if that weren’t enough, did you know Alberta holds the record for the highest number of tornadoes in Canada? In fact, during the summer months, the province can average about 10 tornado warnings a month! Also, to give you a sense of scale, the largest tornado recorded in Alberta reached a monstrous F4 on the Fujita scale, with winds peaking at over 250 km/h! So, fasten those seatbelts, and prepare for an exciting afternoon of weather watching in central Alberta!