Environment Canada warns of severe thunderstorms, possible funnel clouds in Alberta
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Environment Canada warns of severe thunderstorms, possible funnel clouds in Alberta
Environment Canada has issued a series of severe thunderstorm watches for a large area of central Alberta. Thunderstorms are developing over the Alberta foothills and will move to the northeast through the afternoon and evening. A special weather statement has also been issued for much of the same area, warning that conditions are also favourable for the development of funnel clouds. Residents are being advised to treat the sighting of any funnel cloud seriously and seek shelter.
People living across much of central and southeastern Alberta are being urged to keep an eye to the sky Friday.
Environment Canada has issued a series of severe thunderstorm watches for a large area of central Alberta stretching from just south of Hinton, through Edmonton to the Montana border in the southeast.
The national weather agency said thunderstorms are developing over the Alberta foothills and will move to the northeast through the afternoon and evening, with some of them possibly severe enough to produce large hail, heavy winds and heavy rainfall locally.
A special weather statement has also been issued for much of the same area, from Swan Hills in the north to Innisfail in central Alberta, warning that conditions are also favourable for the development of funnel clouds.
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In some cases, the statement said, the funnel clouds could intensify enough to become weak landspout tornadoes.
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View image in full screen Canada’s first tornado of the year was spotted on Saturday, April 12, 2025, about 10 km north of Rolling Hills, Alta., a small farming community located about a two hour drive southeast of Calgary. X/Stephen Lester/@RuralRootsCda
While landspout tornadoes don’t normally cause significant damage, Environment Canada warns they can still be dangerous and strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs and toss debris short distances.
Residents are being advised to treat the sighting of any funnel cloud seriously and seek shelter.
With weather radar already showing some storms already developing, the Alberta Hail Suppression Project has launched several aircraft to seed the clouds with silver iodide to help reduce the severity of any hailstorms.
Environment Canada said the thunderstorms are expected to weaken late Friday evening.
St. Albert under severe thunderstorm watch, funnel clouds possible
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for St. Albert, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park. Forecasters say conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous weather, including large hail, strong wind gusts, and heavy rainfall. Conditions may also lead to the formation of funnel clouds or even landspout tornadoes. Residents are advised to monitor conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for St. Albert, warning residents that conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous weather, including large hail, strong wind gusts, and heavy rainfall.
The watch, which includes St. Albert, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, remains in effect until midnight. Forecasters say thunderstorms are forming over the Alberta foothills and are expected to move northeast throughout the afternoon and evening.
“These thunderstorms will weaken later this evening,” the alert read, but not before potentially bringing damaging weather. Residents are advised to monitor conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.
In addition to the thunderstorm watch, a Special Weather Statement is in effect until 6 p.m. for the same region. Environment Canada said conditions may also lead to the formation of funnel clouds or even landspout tornadoes—relatively weak, short-lived tornadoes that can still cause localized damage.
“Treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously. Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter,” the advisory read.
Landspout tornadoes are typically generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or thunderstorms and often appear with little or no warning. While not usually destructive, they are capable of toppling trees, damaging roofs, or tossing debris.
Environment Canada is urging the public to be cautious and report severe weather to [email protected], by calling 1-800-239-0484, or posting to social media using the hashtag #ABStorm.
As of early Friday afternoon, the weather in St. Albert included rain and temperatures around 17°C. Thunderstorms are expected to continue intermittently through the weekend, particularly on Sunday and again early next week.
Officials recommend staying indoors during lightning, securing outdoor objects, and avoiding travel during severe conditions.