June 7, 2024: In the latest tornado Alberta update, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reported that five tornadoes struck central Alberta in a single day, according to a weather summary released Thursday night.
According to ECCC, the events unfolded on Monday afternoon. Near the village of Edberg, approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, four tornadoes touched down between 2:38 p.m. and 2:56 p.m. These tornadoes damaged a farm, with wind gusts estimated between 115 and 130 kilometers per hour. All four were rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which measures tornado intensity from 0 to 6.
The fifth Alberta tornado occurred southeast of Gadsby, Alta., at about 4:45 p.m. This tornado, however, did not result in any reported damage and was also given an EF0 rating.
On Monday afternoon, a tornado watch was in effect across a broad area of central Alberta. ECCC noted that conditions were ripe for the formation of funnel clouds and possibly brief, weak tornadoes. Meteorologist Tiffany Lizee commented on the day’s atmospheric conditions, saying,
“It’s not unusual to see a cluster of funnel clouds or landspout tornadoes develop under these conditions. The environment at that time was not supportive of supercells; however, there was discussion about one tornado that caused damage near Edberg, Alta., and that it may have become a supercell/landspout hybrid.”
So far this season, Alberta has witnessed eight tornadoes. The province typically experiences about 15 tornadoes annually, although 19 were reported last year.
As residents in Alberta face the realities of tornado season, it’s crucial to be prepared. For practical advice and safety tips, be sure to read our detailed guide on How to stay safe during Alberta tornado season. This resource offers essential information on what to do before, during, and after a tornado, helping ensure you and your family remain safe.
Staying informed about the weather can significantly enhance your preparedness during the volatile tornado season in Alberta.
For recommendations on the best tools and apps to keep track of weather changes, check out our article on must-have weather monitoring tools for every Albertan. This guide will help you select the most effective tools to stay updated on weather conditions in your area.
For more information and updates, stay tuned to Y!Alberta.
