Tornado warnings lifted for areas of southern Alberta

Environment Canada briefly issued tornado warnings for areas of southern Alberta on Friday evening.

The agency said its meteorologists were “tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado” and that “damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall” were also possible.”

The initial warnings were in effect for:

• Stettler County near Byemoor and Endiang;
• Starland County near Michichi and Delia; and
• S.A. 2 near Spondin and Scapa.

At 6 p.m., a warning only remained in place for S.A. 2 near Spondin and Scapa.

At 6:20 p.m., that was also downgraded to a tornado watch.

“The greatest risk for tornadoes will be before 8 p.m. local time. Any tornado that develops will likely be brief but still capable of property damage,” the watch advisory said.

“This tornado risk will diminish by sunset.”

In its earlier warnings, the agency advised that a tornado is “a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.”

“Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately,” it said.

“Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter and move to a strong building if you can.

“As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”