A tornado warned storm that struck central Alberta Monday afternoon dropped hail stones the size of grapefruit, according to photos posted to social media.
Baseball-sized hail was also reported from the storm that struck near the community of Markerville, southwest of Red Deer.
106mm (grapefruit) sized hail NW of Merkerville, AB #ABstorm pic.twitter.com/RCqYjGHEmD
— NHP Field Project 🇨🇦 (@NHP_field) August 2, 2022
Baseball sized hail NW of Markerville, Alberta #abstorm 5:45PM @PrairieChasers pic.twitter.com/jVsIWNruHe
— Braydon Morisseau (@BraydonMoreSo) August 1, 2022
The hail is definitely golf ball size #reddeer #abstorm tornadoes warned pic.twitter.com/VppDyMYpLU
— Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye (@jeffphotodude) August 2, 2022
Average size of hail falling in the storm but some were definitely bigger than this… #abstorm @westernuNHP @PrairieChasers pic.twitter.com/xmfAt9jOUh
— Erik Younk (@YounkShack) August 2, 2022
North of Innisfail 5 mins ago. #abstorm pic.twitter.com/8m2FPOu5Nn
— Madagain (@MadMadagain) August 2, 2022
A tornado warning is in place for the Red Deer area, with Environment Canada saying it is tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado.
Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.
As of 6:10 pm, doppler radar indicates a potential tornado is located near Niobe.
#abstorm E of innisfail 6:12 PM pic.twitter.com/C2VMrhmQQQ
— Tracey Dyck (@ABStormChaser) August 2, 2022
East of Innisfail AB #abstorm pic.twitter.com/CBqruLLeLy
— Jo (@attila_thefun) August 2, 2022
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately,” Environment Canada said.
The federal weather agency added to “go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.”
Those in danger are also urged to leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.