Environment Canada issues tornado watch for eastern Alberta through tonight

Environment Canada issued a tornado watch Thursday afternoon for parts of eastern Alberta, cautioning that conditions favour the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

The agency said funnel clouds in the region have been reported very close to the ground and may touch down as brief landspout tornadoes. The risk window extends until early this evening.

In a special weather statement issued just before noon, Environment Canada also cautioned that funnel clouds could develop in other parts of central and northern Alberta, with a chance that weak landspout tornadoes could form. These types of rotation typically generate under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage, but they can still topple trees, damage roofs, or toss debris short distances. Environment Canada advises residents to treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously: prepare to take shelter, as these clouds usually appear with little or no warning.

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. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, and trailers. Warning signs include a roaring sound, visible funnel clouds, and swirling debris near the ground. Watches and warnings will be issued if conditions become more favourable for landspout tornadoes.