Tornado warning issued for eastern Alberta near Saskatchewan border
Environment Canada meteorologists warned of a dangerous tornado forming near Paradise Valley on Wednesday evening, with extreme winds and large hail also possible across the province.
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Environment Canada meteorologists issued a critical tornado alert on Wednesday evening, July 9, after a funnel cloud formed near Paradise Valley in southeast Alberta, about 250 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
The tornado began moving eastward shortly after forming around 7:23 p.m., affecting areas around the Saskatchewan border. The Municipal District of Wainwright and the Municipal District of Provost, both roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, were placed under extreme tornado warnings. Neighbouring areas remained under severe thunderstorm alerts.
Environment Canada warned that damaging winds, large hail, and locally intense rainfall were possible alongside the tornado threat. "This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado," the alert stated.
The agency advised people in affected areas to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or sturdy shelter. The thunderstorm had moved into areas near the Saskatchewan border by late Wednesday evening.
