Funnel Clouds Possible Across Central Alberta Wednesday

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Wednesday warning that conditions favour the development of funnel clouds across a large section of central Alberta in the afternoon and evening.

The alert area stretches north of Edmonton to Fox Creek, Swan Hills, and Athabasca; west to Hinton and Rocky Mountain House; and east to Vegreville. It extends south along the QEII corridor to Claresholm, then shifts east through communities including Drumheller, Hanna, Brooks, and Medicine Hat—just missing Calgary itself but covering all areas east to the Saskatchewan border.

Environment Canada anticipates weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms, which normally poses little danger at ground level. However, this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.

Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs, or toss debris short distances. Environment Canada advises people to treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously, as they usually appear with little or no warning.

Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, Environment Canada recommends moving indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows—such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell, or interior closet. If shelter indoors is unavailable, lying in a low spot and protecting your head from flying debris is a last resort. If conditions become more favourable as the afternoon progresses, watches and warnings will be issued.