Funnel clouds a potential for storms in parts of Alberta today
Alberta could see some active weather today, with storms that could produce funnel clouds and the chance of a weak landspout tornado.
A special weather statement was issued for a large swath of northeastern, southeastern, and east-central Alberta by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on Tuesday afternoon, calling for conditions that will be favourable for the development of funnel clouds today.
ECCC stated that these types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. The weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground; however, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.
Meteorologists say landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous and be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.
“Treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously. Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning,” the statement added.
The Northern Tornadoes Project reported that it is looking into the occurrence of a number of landspout-type tornadoes in Alberta over the last several days and is actively collecting information for these and will have an update later today.
You can view all current watches, warnings, and special weather statements in Alberta on the ECCC website.