A tornado struck central Alberta on Monday afternoon, hours after a similar weather alert was issued for the central part of the province.
Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed a tornado touched down near Ferintosh, southeast of Wetaskiwin, around 1:45 p.m.
The agency said no damage had been reported, but an investigation was ongoing.
this Tornado Watch Central Alberta by 3:30 p.m. Environment Canada Weather conditions on Monday are said to be favorable for funnel clouds to form and a brief, weak tornado is possible.
The National Weather Service said strong winds, large hail and heavy rains are also possible.
“A low pressure system is developing across central to northern Alberta Monday into Tuesday that could bring heavy rain and thunderstorms,” said Phil Darrington, Globe Edmonton meteorologist.
“Some of the storms may also develop funnel clouds and produce some weak tornadoes, in addition to the potential for large hail, strong winds and heavy rain.”
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The alert has been in effect since 3:30 p.m. and covers the area between Edmonton and Red Deer, from the east central part of the province to the Saskatchewan border.
These include the communities of Leduc, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Tofield, Lloydminster, Wainwright, Vermillion and Provost, as well as surrounding rural areas.
Environment Canada said the potential for tornadoes will continue into Monday evening, adding that people in central Alberta should be prepared for severe weather and seek shelter immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Darlington added: “The chances for funnel clouds and tornadoes will decrease Monday night, but rain and some storms are expected to continue into Tuesday.”
If a tornado occurs, or a tornado warning is issued for your area, Environment Canada recommends taking the following actions:
- Enter a room on the lowest interior level, away from exterior walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell, or interior closet.
- If you can, leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers, and other temporary or freestanding shelters and move to a sturdy building.
- As a last resort, lie low and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, get indoors!
Tornado warnings are issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the formation of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.
— More coming soon…
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