A weather advisory is in effect as conditions are favourable for funnel clouds in Central Alberta, says Environment Canada.
The advisory was issued at 11:42 a.m. on Tuesday for several Central Alberta communities, including Red Deer, Stettler and Sylvan Lake.
“Conditions are favourable for funnel clouds to develop near a line from Lacombe to Drayton Valley to Three Hills. This line will move slowly to the north and east this afternoon,” said Environment Canada’s weather advisory.
“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.”
If conditions become more favourable for the development of landspout tornadoes, watches and warnings will be issued by Environment Canada.
“Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances,” said Environment Canada.
A sever thunderstorm watch is also in effect, as of 2:45 p.m., for Central Alberta.
Thunderstorms are developing in the eastern portion of Central Alberta, said Environment Canada.
“Some of these thunderstorms may become severe this afternoon, and produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.”
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds or torrential rainfall.
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