Conditions will be favourable for the development of funnel clouds today from Red Deer to the southern parts of the province, says Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms,” says Environment Canada in a weather advisory issued at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. “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.”
In central Alberta, the advisory includes City of Red Deer and communities in Red Deer, Camrose, Lacombe, Stettler and Ponoka Counties.
If conditions become more favourable for the development of landspout tornadoes, watches and warnings will be issued by Environment Canada.
Weather experts say treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously. Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning.
Residents are advised to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.
