Funnel clouds loom across eastern Alberta today
ECCC warns of weak landspout tornado risk in northeast, southeast, and east-central regions. Treat all funnel sightings seriously.
A broad swath of eastern Alberta is under weather watch Tuesday as Environment and Climate Change Canada warns of conditions favourable for funnel cloud development—with a small but real risk of weak landspout tornadoes.
The special weather statement covers northeastern, southeastern, and east-central regions, including areas east of Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary. ECCC explained that these funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. While the rotation is normally harmless near ground level, it could intensify into a weak landspout tornado.
Landspout tornadoes typically don't cause significant damage, but they can still be dangerous—strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs, or toss debris short distances. The Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University is actively monitoring the situation and collecting data on several landspout-type tornadoes that have formed across Alberta in recent days. They plan to release an update later today with more detailed analysis.
The federal agency urged residents in affected areas to take funnel cloud sightings seriously and prepare shelter immediately. "These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning," ECCC stated. All current watches, warnings, and special weather statements are available on the ECCC website.