Storm Hammers Southern Alberta With Gusts Over 135 km/h
A fast-moving downburst swept across central and southern Alberta on Tuesday, toppling trees and damaging roofs across communities from Calgary to Medicine Hat.
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A severe downburst tore through southern and central Alberta on Tuesday afternoon, leaving communities in its wake to clean up downed trees, damaged roofs, and destroyed buildings.
The fast-moving storm brought heavy rain, hail, and wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour in some areas. Peak gusts reached 135 km/h in the village of Ralston, about 30 minutes northwest of Medicine Hat, and 131 km/h in Rolling Hills, roughly an hour east of Ralston.
In Calgary, neighbourhoods like Lake Bonavista and Bonavista Downs saw widespread tree damage and destruction. In Wheatland County and the hamlet of Gleichen, roofs were ripped apart—including the roof of Gleichen's old courthouse—and the community's hotel sustained damage.
A downburst occurs when cool air from a thunderstorm rushes down to the ground and spreads outward, creating a sudden burst of strong winds. Unlike tornadoes, downburst damage is pushed in one direction rather than scattered. Downbursts can be just as destructive as tornadoes and are sometimes rated on the EF-scale.
Environment Canada received reports of two potential tornadoes in the region but said there is insufficient evidence to confirm any occurred. The reports will be investigated further by researchers with the Northern Tornadoes Project. The agency also reported receiving a golf-ball-sized hail report, about 4.5 centimetres in diameter.