A tornado watch and severe thunderstorm watch are in effect for a large area of central and northern Alberta.
In Barrhead County, near Barrhead and Lac la Nonne; Lac Ste. Anne County, near Mayerthorpe, Sangudo, Onoway and Lac Ste. Anne; Woodlands County, near Whitecourt and Fort Assiniboine; and Yellowhead County, near Peers and Evansburg, residents should be on the watch for a possible tornado.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says the greatest risk for tornadoes will be between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. It adds that thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes will likely be accompanied by torrential rain and hail up to the size of baseballs.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued, ECCC provides the following recommendations:
- Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor and 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 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.
- Be prepared for severe weather.
- 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.
Near Fox Creek in the M.D. of Greenview; Woodlands County, near Benbow and Windfall; and Yellowhead County, near Edson, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect. ECCC says thunderstorms are likely to develop today and may become severe this afternoon and evening.
These storms may produce strong wind gusts, large hail or heavy rain.
Officials say travel delays are possible.
For a full list of impacted communities and the most up-to-date information, visit the ECCC website.
