A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Calgary just after 3:30 p.m. on Friday as Environment Canada said its meteorologists were “tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, toonie- to ping pong ball-sized hail and heavy rain.”
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury,” the weather agency said on its website. “Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.
“Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.”
At 3:52 p.m., the severe thunderstorm warning was downgraded to a severe thunderstorm watch.
Earlier in the day, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by Environment Canada for Rocky View County near Cochrane, Alta., as well as the city of Calgary.
Environment Canada said conditions are favourable for dangerous storms to develop and these storms may have strong winds, heavy rain and hail big enough to cause damage.
The weather agency said the storms are likely to develop in the Foothills and move east in the afternoon.
There is a slight chance a tornado could develop later in the day in the central Foothills, Environment Canada said earlier in the day.
The weather service encourages people to take cover when threatening storms approach.
“When thunder roars, go indoors,” said Environment Canada, noting that lightning hurts and kills Canadians every year.
For a complete list of areas in Alberta under a weather alert, click here.
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–With files from Phil Heidenreich, Global News