Wind warning in effect for parts of southwest Alberta

Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the southwest corner of the province on Thursday, cautioning residents of strong and potentially damaging winds.

The warning, issued just before 5 a.m., included Lethbridge, Taber, Milk River, Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Waterton Lakes National Park, Cardston, Fort Macleod, Magrath, Okotoks, High River and Claresholm.

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Environment Canada said that there have been gusts between 100 and 110 km/h overnight in portions of southwestern Alberta.

“Southwesterly winds gusting upwards of 100 km/h are forecast to redevelop early this afternoon. These strong winds will begin to diminish early this evening,” the national weather agency cautioned Thursday.

Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.

By Friday morning the warnings had been dropped for Lethbridge, Taber, Milk River, Okotoks, High River and Claresholm but remained in place for Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Waterton Lakes National Park, Cardston, Fort Macleod and Magrath.

On Saturday evening, warnings were dropped for Cardston, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding areas.

Environment Canada warned southwesterly winds are again expected to gust near 100 km/h late Friday afternoon and into the evening.

“Winds are forecast to weaken somewhat overnight, with gusts near 70-80 km/h expected to persist until Saturday evening.”

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