A tornado warning was issued Thursday afternoon for an area of southeastern Alberta, and later downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning.
The tornado warning was first issued at 3:37 p.m. and during the hour it was in effect, covered Special Area No. 2 & 3, near Hanna, Richdale and Youngestown.
As the storm system moved east, so too did the warnings from Environment Canada.
Just after 4 p.m., the warning said doppler radar indicated two potential tornadoes — one near Youngstown and another near Togo Lake — which were moving to the east at 40 km/h.
Just before 4:30, all warnings about a tornado were downgraded to thunderstorm warnings. Environment Canada said its meteorologists were tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, nickel to ping pong ball-size hail and heavy rain.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
“Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.”
When a tornado warning is issued, people should immediately go inside 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, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building, the agency said.
“As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”
Earlier Thursday, a tornado warning was issued near the community of Spondin. The warning was issued at 3:16 p.m. Thursday and was dropped by 3:30 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning remained in place as of 3:33 p.m. Thursday.
For the latest information on weather warnings and alerts, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website.
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