Update: As of 9:28 p.m. June 13, all tornado watches in Alberta have expired. The original story continues below.
A tornado watch is in place for parts of Alberta as severe thunderstorms pop up that have the potential to produce a tornado.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the tornado watch Friday afternoon due to severe thunderstorms developing over central Alberta that are moving to the northeast.
“Some of these thunderstorms have the potential to produce a tornado,” the watch stated, with the greatest risk for tornadoes being before 8 p.m. local time.
Any tornado that develops will likely be brief but still capable of property damage, and the tornado risk will diminish by sunset.
ECCC added that this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation, and to be prepared for severe weather.
According to the Alberta Emergency Alert website, the following areas are under the watch;
- Big Valley
- Castor
- Cereal
- Consort
- Coronation
- Delia
- Halkirk
- Hanna
- Morrin
- Munson
- Oyen
- Paintearth County No. 18
- Special Area No. 2
- Special Area No. 3
- Special Area No. 4
- Starland County
- Stettler County No. 6
- Veteran
- Youngstown
If threatening weather approaches, take cover immediately. In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: 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.
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.