Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. For the second straight day, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches for a large portion of central and northern Alberta. There is also an orange-level (high impact/high confidence) tornado watch for areas west and north of Edmonton. Reminder: watch means “potential” and warning means “happening or imminent.” Storms are expected to develop in western Alberta early this afternoon and then move east-northeast. Large hail, heavy downpours and strong wind are the main threats. However, one or more storms has the potential to produce a tornado. If a tornado develops or a tornado warning is issued in your area: go inside and find a room on the lowest floor away from outside walls and windows. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers, etc. and move to a strong building if possible. If trapped outdoors, make yourself as small as possible to protect yourself from flying debris. The most likely timeframe for storms in the Edmonton area is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here’s the latest model guidance for the storms: Reminder: this is just model output and actual storm location could be different, but it gives us a rough approximation of timing/location.
