Tornado warning ended for Edmonton and parts of central Alberta

Dark clouds near Calgary

Environment Canada issued a tornado warning for parts of central Alberta after a large and dangerous thunderstorm swept through the area.

The agency issued the warning for Leduc County, near Calmar and Devon at about 1:42 p.m. Wednesday.

Meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm that was about 50 kilometres southwest of Edmonton and say it had the potential to produce a tornado, large hail, strong wind gusts, and heavy rainfall.

Environment Canada classified the situation as dangerous and life-threatening and advised people to take cover in a sturdy permanent building or underground.

The tornado warning was extended to include Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park just after 2:00 p.m. but all tornado warnings for Alberta were ended just before 4:00 p.m.

The area still remains under a tornado watch and will be closely monitored.

Edmonton International Airport officials suspended operations during the storm due to lightning warnings.

For the latest information, visit the Environment Canada website.