A wind warning was issued for Calgary and other areas in southern Alberta on Friday night after severe storms in central Alberta prompted Environment Canada to issue severe thunderstorm warnings and even tornado watches for that part of the province.
“Outflow from severe thunderstorms in central Alberta have created a strong gust front that is moving to the south away from thunderstorms,” the weather agency said on its website Friday night. “Winds up to 100 km/h have been reported.”
All wind warnings in Alberta were lifted shortly before 10:30 p.m.
READ MORE: Severe weather, including large hail and damaging wind possible in central Alberta Friday
Earlier in the evening, Environment Canada warned that the powerful wind gusts could damage buildings, toss loose objects around and break tree branches.
“The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has responded to approximately 50 occurrences in a 3 hour time period,” according to a CFD news release. “Only one injury has been reported as a result of a fallen branch, the patient was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.”
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds,” the weather agency said.
The high winds prompted the Calgary Stampede to close down its zipline as well as any high-in-the-air rides at the midway.
Several streets were closed near Cowboys Casino after a glass pane fell from a 39th floor apartment window.
The roads reopened at around 11:30 p.m. but the area around The Guardian apartment complex remained taped off.
The fire department’s high angle team is expected to assess the area around the broken pane from the outside Saturday. The wind was too strong for anyone to safely look at it Friday night.
As of 9 p.m., Environment Canada’s website showed the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reading for Calgary was listed as a 7, or “high risk.”
When the AQHI reaches “high risk,” people in affected areas are advised to take precautions.
“Children and the elderly should also take it easy,” Environment Canada adds. “Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.”
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Enmax tweeted it was dealing with a number of “wind-related power outages” throughout the city of Calgary.
For an up-to-date list of areas in Alberta currently under weather watches and warnings, click here.
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