Severe thunderstorms target Alberta Tuesday with giant hail and tornado risk
Some areas in Alberta, including the Edmonton region, may see severe thunderstorms roll through today, with the risk of very large hail and a tornado.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre show large portions of Alberta at risk of potentially seeing some severe thunderstorm activity today, July 14.
There is a high-risk zone present in the province today, surrounding the Edmonton region and west towards Edson and Whitecourt. Areas to the east of YEG are also in the high-risk zone, like Vegreville and Viking.
Weather risks in that area include wind gusts of up to 110 kilometres an hour, with thunderstorms that could bring hail up to six centimetres in size, the equivalent of a tennis ball. Up to 60 millimetres of rain may also occur if a thunderstorm materializes, and the possibility of a tornado forming can’t be ruled out.
Northern and southern portions of the province may see strong wind gusts and some rain if a thunderstorm pops up, while areas outside of the high-risk zone, including Grande Prairie, sections of the QEII, and the central Foothills, may see hail up to three centimeters in size.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for portions of central Alberta shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, with ECCC noting that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, heavy rain, and the risk of a tornado.
“Thunderstorms will develop along the terrain in the Rocky Mountain House and Edson regions late this afternoon. Thunderstorms will move towards central Alberta and are expected to reach the Edmonton area later this evening. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible,” the watch added.
A tornado watch was also issued for areas west of Edmonton, including Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Drayton Valley, Thorsby, Calmar, and Mayerthorpe.
ECCC noted that in the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelters, 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.
If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take cover immediately. When out on the water, be prepared for severe weather. If threatening weather approaches, make for shore and take shelter immediately. It is particularly dangerous to be on a small craft on the open water when lightning is occurring.
You can check for any current weather watches and warnings on the ECCC website.
The risk of strong thunderstorms carries into the overnight hours, with the outlook for early Wednesday still showing Edmonton under a moderate weather risk with wind gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour, hail 2.5 centimetres in size, and 40 millimetres of rain.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre
An area surrounding that moderate risk zone, including Lloydminster, Whitecourt, and Edson, may see hail up to two centimetres in size and 20 to 30 millimetres of rain.