Environment Canada issues tornado watch for parts of eastern Alberta

Agency says funnel clouds could develop until this evening

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may produce a tornado in eastern Alberta.

In a weather alert issued just after 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, the agency said funnel clouds in the area may touch the ground and develop into a brief landspout tornado.

The agency said funnel clouds in eastern Alberta have been reported to be very close to the ground.

It said the risk of landspout tornadoes will last until early this evening.

“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,” Environment Canada said in the statement.

“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.”

The agency said some of the warning signs that residents should take cover and seek shelter are a “roaring sound,” funnel clouds and swirling debris near the ground.

Funnel clouds possible in other areas

In a different special weather statement issued just before noon on Thursday, Environment Canada cautioned that conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds in other parts of central and northern Alberta. It said there is a chance that weak landspout tornadoes could also form in these areas.

The agency said these types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

“Treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously,” the agency said in the earlier statement.

“Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning.”

It said this weak rotation is not normally a danger near the ground, but there is a chance that a funnel cloud’s rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.

Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage, but they can still be dangerous and strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances, the agency said.

Environment Canada said conditions that could lead to the development of funnel clouds in areas of central and northern Alberta will continue until this evening.

It said watches and warnings will be issued if conditions become more favourable for landspout tornadoes.