Advertisement

Alberta records 1st tornado of the 2020 severe weather season

Click to play video: 'Landspout tornado spotted in southern Alberta'
Landspout tornado spotted in southern Alberta
WATCH ABOVE: A landspout tornado was spotted near Mossleigh in southern Alberta Wednesday morning. Global Edmonton weather specialist Phil Darlington has the details. – May 27, 2020

A tornado that touched down in central Alberta Wednesday morning has been confirmed by Environment Canada, making it the province’s first tornado of the 2020 severe weather season.

A landspout tornado touched down just after 10 a.m. near Mossleigh, Alta. The hamlet is located about 65 kilometres southeast of Calgary.

Environment Canada said it received multiple reports and pictures of the landspout tornado. While a dust cloud was produced at the base of the funnel, the weather agency said it did not receive any reports of damage.

The tornado has been given a preliminary rating of EF0 — the weakest on the six-point Enhanced Fujita Scale used to measure the intensity of a tornado.

Story continues below advertisement

“Landspout tornadoes are not as dangerous, but they can still cause damage,” Global Edmonton weather specialist Phil Darlington said.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Today’s tornado was classified as an EF0, which is on the weak end of the scale with wind speeds around 90-130 km/h.”

Click to play video: 'Supercell vs Landspout Tornado'
Supercell vs Landspout Tornado

Environment Canada went on to say Wednesday’s landspout tornado was generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

Environment Canada meteorologists are actively seeking pictures of the damage it may have caused.

Want your weather on the go? Download the Global News Skytracker weather app for iOS and Android.

Sponsored content

AdChoices