Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Edmonton area shortly after 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.
Watches were also issued for Spruce Grove, Morinville, Mayerthorpe, Evansburg, Westlock, Barrhead, Athabasca, Fort McMurray and Fort MacKay.
By 7:10 p.m., all watches – including the one issued for Edmonton – were lifted.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Leduc, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Tofield Bonnyville, St. Paul, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater and Smoky Lake.
By 6:25 p.m., all weather warnings in Alberta had been lifted.
However, at 6:31 p.m., Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the M.D. of Bonnyville.
“This cluster of thunderstorms extends from just west of Cold Lake to 30 kilometres east of Rich Lake and is moving very slowly southward,” the weather agency said on its website. “The main threat with these thunderstorms is heavy rain.”
At 7:23 p.m., the warning for the M.D. of Bonnyville was lifted.
The weather agency warns that conditions are favourable for the “development of severe thunderstorms” that may be capable of producing large hail and heavy rain.
Global News meteorologist Jesse Beyer said the main threat from this system of storms is heavy rain and large hail.
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“With many outdoor activities planned for this evening, including the Eskimos game, Big Valley Jamboree and Heritage Festival…if you are planning on attending, be prepared for severe weather,” Beyer said.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon there were numerous cells developing north of Edmonton and moving south.
Beyer expects “on and off” thundershower activity for most of the night.
“The active weather is rather isolated; you’ll have a cell leaving heavy rain and hail, and a short distance later be seeing a blue sky,” he said.
Environment Canada warns to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. These systems are expected to bring heavy rain, which the weather agency warns are “likely to cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.”
Full details on the watches and warnings are available on the Environment Canada website.
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