Two EF-2 tornadoes strike west-central Alberta as province records 27 twisters this year

Two EF-2 tornadoes touched down in west-central Alberta on July 20, with wind speeds reaching roughly 190 km/h and causing extensive structural and tree damage across Clearwater County, investigators confirmed July 23.

Matthew Woodward, the Alberta damage survey lead for Western University's Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), said the sheer volume of destruction stands out. "These tornadoes were EF-2+, which means they were significant tornadoes by definition," he said. The team estimated over 50 structures damaged. The first tornado developed southwest of Rocky Mountain House and tracked to the southern limits of the town; the second developed east of the town before tracking eastward. While no injuries were reported, the first tornado destroyed a well-constructed outbuilding and swept away the debris, while the second tore the roof off a home.

Alberta is experiencing its most active tornado season on record. With a month and a half of peak season remaining, the province has already recorded 27 confirmed twisters this year — surpassing the previous high of 23 set in 2019. Woodward noted Alberta has had four EF-2 tornadoes and one EF-3 (at Tulliby Lake) so far this season. An unusually wet summer across central Alberta is driving the severe weather, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Janelle Gergely.