Environment Canada issues funnel cloud advisory for Medicine Hat and area

Environment Canada reports favourable conditions for the development of funnel clouds across parts of southern Alberta, including Medicine Hat, on Wednesday, with a risk of intensified clouds becoming weak landspout tornadoes.

In a statement issued at 2:48 p.m., the weather agency said landspout funnel clouds are not normally dangerous near the ground; however, there is a chance the rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.

According to Environment Canada, these types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

The agency said landspout tornadoes typically do not cause significant damage but can still pose a danger, with winds strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs, and toss debris short distances.