The aftermath of the July 18, 2022 storm near Holsom Road. (Photo Courtesy Gates Guarin)

By Chris Brown

Several properties damaged

Cypress County families suffered ‘tremendous loss’ in storm, says CAO

Jul 19, 2022 | 1:06 PM

DUNMORE, AB – Cypress County officials are surveying the damage and gathering data on Tuesday, 24 hours after a violent storm ripped through the region.

Cypress County CAO Tarolyn Aaserud said the toll of the losses is devastating for the families and community.

“I couldn’t fathom what they are going through it is, it is absolutely a tremendous loss and it’s a shock and as a community they’re working together through it,” she said. “And you know the biggest thing is that there was no loss of human life and it’s, we can rebuild but we can’t replace a person.”

Alberta Emergency Alert initially reported a tornado had touched now in the area of Holsom Road (Highway 523). In later updates, the language was changed to “a storm with dangerous and damaging winds.”

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Aaserud confirmed there is “intense damage” in that area. Also the director of emergency management, Aaserud says she can’t put a figure on the number of rural properties damaged during the storm, only saying they know of several.

“Many outbuildings, many homes as well, so there’s not an exact number,” she said. “This wind event was devastating, devastating for those families, devastating for their community and so we are focusing on recovery right now. “So that is our focus and looking at mapping to see the extent of the area that was involved.”

READ MORE: Clean-up underway after powerful storm

Because of the wide area affected the mapping and data gathering are expected to take until Wednesday afternoon, Aaserud said. Many vehicles were damaged in addition to the outbuildings and homes, and livestock losses have also been reported.

Aaserud said 15 people registered with the county’s emergency reception centre yesterday, and three families stayed in accommodations overnight through a partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. Any other displaced residents can call the county office at 403-526-2888 for assistance.

The county is also assisting by placing waste bins near the affected area and that the Seven Persons transfer site is open additional hours.

READ MORE: Holsom Road residents devastated by summer storm

Aaserud said the best way to support the families is by respecting their privacy as they begin to rebuild their lives and being willing to help if the families reach out.

As of 10:30 a.m., the City of Medicine Hat says 1,737 customers in Southwest Hill, hospital and airport remain without power. Power is also still out for 45 customers in Redcliff, 75 customers in rural southwest (near Echo Dale Regional Park and Holsom Road), and nine customers in the rural area north of Medicine Hat.