A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Calgary and a swath of south central Alberta after an Alberta Emergency Alert for very large hail was issued on Monday evening.
Environment Canada says meteorologists are tracking a “very dangerous thunderstorm” capable of producing baseball-sized hail, strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
As of around 8 p.m., the agency says the thunderstorm is currently located from Airdrie, Alta., to the north end of Calgary, and is heading east at 30 km/h.
An Alberta Emergency Alert was also issued at 7:57 p.m. on Monday, noting that “extra care and attention” should be exercised in Brooks, Strathmore, Vulcan, Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds, Sundre, Drumheller, Three Hills and Calgary.
The emergency alert is in effect for the following areas:
- Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield.
- Rocky View County near Irricana, Beiseker and Kathyrn.
- Rocky View County near Chestermere, Dalroy and Dalemead.
- The City of Calgary.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” reads Environment Canada’s website.
“Extremely large hail can smash windows, destroy property and vehicles and cause life-threatening injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.”
The agency advises people to seek shelter whenever there is dangerous weather.