Wind warning issued for Calgary as strong gusts topple trees, down power lines

It's another day of powerful winds in Calgary as gusts topple trees, branches and power lines.

Calgarians experienced another day of powerful winds on Friday as a spring storm system moved through the city.

Intense wind gusts up to 90 km/h were expected, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada, which issued a wind warning for Calgary.

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The City of Calgary says it received six emergency service requests for downed trees and branches overnight, ballooning to some 30 calls by 9 a.m.

“Additionally, there have been a few instances of private trees falling and obstructing roadways, prompting city crews to respond to clear the roads and ensure public safety,” the city said in a statement.

Some areas of the city also saw downed power lines.

In other areas, downed branches came into contact with power lines.

“If a tree or branch touches a power line, do not try to remove it,” Enmax warned in a statement. “Electricity can travel through anything in contact with the line.”

Instead, you’re asked to call Enmax at 403-514-6100

“If you see a power line on the ground or sparking, stay back at least 10 metres and call 911,” Enmax said.

In Rundle, part of a roof was blown off a residence along on Rundlewood Lane N.E.

“I was in the shower, and I heard a rather large bang, like something had hit maybe my roof,” said neighbour Dean Provost.

“I looked out the window and saw lumber and couldn’t figure out what was going on. I looked up to find that my neighbour’s roof was completely torn off!”

In addition to downed trees, communications lines and power lines, a sign was toppled in the parking lot of a London Drugs location in the 3500 block of 32 Avenue N.E.

Viewer Gary Bourget sent footage from his doorbell camera of his trampoline becoming airborne and flying out of his yard, in the area of 32 Avenue and Ninth Street N.W.

The wind is expected to gradually die down overnight.

Will my house insurance cover wind damage?

Rob de Pruis with the Insurance Bureau of Canada says they are monitoring the situation in Calgary closely.

“Claims are starting to roll in. We’ve heard some people have vehicle damage from flying debris, and even some people that have some roofing and siding damage.”

De Pruis says because many people are at work, they may not even realize yet that their house or car has been damaged.

“The good news is, home insurance policies cover wind, so if you have damage from flying debris or falling branches, or if your siding or shingles got blown off, there is coverage under a standard home insurance policy,” he said.

De Pruis says vehicle insurance may cover wind damage for those who have opted into comprehensive or all perils coverage.