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Life-threatening winds prompt warning in Edmonton, northern Alberta

FILE: Storm clouds build over a highway in southern Alberta near the town of Carstairs on Monday, July 4, 2016. Jeff McIntosh/ The Canadian Press

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued Thursday night for a swath of northern Alberta that includes Edmonton, cautioning of destructive, high winds on the way.

At 7:23 p.m., Environment Canada said its meteorologists were tracking a very dangerous thunderstorm capable of producing destructive wind gusts.

“Extreme wind gusts to 130 km/h have developed ahead of thunderstorms to the west of the area,” Environment Canada said.

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An update at 8 p.m. said the cold front of winds extends from Athabasca to Bashaw, moving to the east at 60 km/h. In some segments of this line, wind gusts could exceed 120 km/h.

“These winds will be well in advance of storms and could arrive with little warning.”

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Take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches, the national weather agency said.

Driving conditions may be difficult. Utility outages are possible.

Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings and overturn vehicles.

If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. If you hear roaring wind, see a funnel cloud, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain.

To report severe weather to Environment Canada, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca, call 1-800-239-0484 or post reports on X using #ABStorm.

— This is a breaking news story. More to come…

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