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.
Want your weather on the go? Download the Global News Skytracker weather app for iOS and Android.