Severe weather knocks down trees, causes power outages in central Alberta

Trees were downed and power was knocked out in areas of central Alberta after a thunderstorm with heavy rain and high wind gusts rolled through the region Tuesday evening.

Wind gusts of up to 111 km/h were recorded in Red Deer at around 7:10 p.m. Coronation saw wind gusts up to 96 km/h at around 9 p.m.

The high winds caused power outages in Lacombe County, Clearwater County, Red Deer County, Rimbey, Ponoka, Parkland and Bentley on Tuesday night. Fortis Alberta said crews were working to restore power, but some customers might be without power through the night.

Watch below: Viewer video shows construction signs blow across road in St. Albert Tuesday night 

Several people captured pictures and video of extensive damage in central Alberta.

The City of Red Deer asked people to stay off the roads if possible, due to downed trees and power lines.

Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for parts of Alberta, including the Capital Region, on Tuesday.

The city of Edmonton was put under a severe thunderstorm warning just after 6 p.m. It was dropped by 8:30 p.m.

“Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a dangerous thunderstorm capable of producing damaging wind gusts, up to nickel-size hail and heavy rain,” the agency said earlier Tuesday.

“Doppler radar indicates wind gusts may exceed 100 km/h.”

Click here for an up-to-date list of all the areas under the weather alert.

The areas under the watch could see “dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain” Tuesday afternoon and into the evening, the agency said.

Watch below: Jesse Beyer has the long-range weather forecast for the Edmonton area as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

“As thunderstorms develop through the afternoon watches may be expanded to include areas farther east and southeast,” Environment Canada said.

Officials warned strong wind gusts could damage buildings, down trees and even topple vehicles.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.storm.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.

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