Severe thunderstorms with hail risk sweep Alberta today
Environment Canada warns of winds up to 100 km/h and Timbit-sized hail across southern Alberta, including Calgary, through this evening.
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Severe thunderstorms are expected across much of Alberta on Tuesday, June 16, with the Calgary region facing the highest risk.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of southern Alberta, including Calgary, with conditions favourable for storms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain. There's also a slight chance of a tornado.
The most potent risk zone stretches from Calgary right to the Saskatchewan border and south to Medicine Hat and the U.S. border. In this region, Environment Canada forecasts wind gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour, hail up to four centimetres in size—the equivalent of a Timbit—and rainfall totals of 30 millimetres.
A larger stretch of the rest of Alberta, including Lethbridge, the Rockies, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Edson, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, and High Level, could see thunderstorms producing wind gusts up to 70 kilometres an hour, hail around one centimetre, and up to 30 millimetres of rain.
If threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. When thunder roars, go indoors. Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings, and overturn vehicles; large hail can cause significant damage and injury.
You can check for current watches and warnings on the ECCC website.