Funnel clouds, severe thunderstorms possible for Edmonton region, central Alberta on Wednesday

Environment Canada ended a severe thunderstorm warning for the Edmonton area at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday.

The warning was issued just before 4:40 p.m. and said Environment Canada meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing heavy rain.

The severe thunderstorm warning was lifted at 6:18 p.m. for Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park.

“The main threat associated with this storm is locally heavy downpours, which may cause some localized flooding,” the agency said.

A special weather advisory was issued earlier Wednesday, saying funnel clouds were possible for much of the central part of Alberta — including around Edmonton.

Global News meteorologist Jesse Beyer said while these advisories can sound alarming, this isn’t comparable to a tornado watch or warning.

“This set up has the potential for weak rotation to be ingested into the updrafts of developing towering clouds and thunderstorms. This stretching is what leads to the funnel cloud tails.

“There is the chance, that if the stretch is strong enough, and the clouds bases are low enough that we will see a touchdown as a landspout.”

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As of 10:30 a.m., the advisory included the areas in and around Edmonton, Devon, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Bonnyville, Drayton Valley, Lloydminster, Red Deer, and Westlock.

A full list of affected areas is available here.

Residents are urged to monitor conditions and alerts issued by Environment Canada.

Watch below: Some Global News videos about funnel clouds.

1:25 Funnel cloud spotted near Drumheller, Alta.

• Funnel cloud spotted near Drumheller, Alta.
• Incredible video of what appears to be funnel cloud touching down near Breton, Alta.
• Funnel clouds spotted in Edmonton area
• Knowing when funnel clouds pose a risk
• What to do when you spot a funnel cloud
• Funnel cloud appears to touch down on Cold Lake
• Farmer shoots video of funnel cloud in central Alberta

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This is the second time in as many days a funnel cloud advisory has been issued in central Alberta.

On Tuesday afternoon, areas near Edmonton and in central Alberta were under an advisory that conditions were favourable for funnel clouds.

That advisory was lifted late Tuesday evening.

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