Powerful thunderstorms hit southeast Alberta Tuesday with wind gusts over 130 km/h

According to Environment Canada, the highest wind gust was recorded at Ralston, where winds reached 135 kilometres an hour. Rolling Hills reported a gust of 131 kilometres an hour, while Medicine Hat recorded 122 kilometres an hour wind speeds.

Other significant wind gusts included 107 kilometres an hour at Lodge Creek, 99 at Warner, 97 at Bassano and Linden, 95 at Strathmore, 94 at Enchant, 93 at One Four and 89 at Irvine.

Medicine Hat had reports of wind damage, including broken windows, fallen trees, missing shingles, and damage to light posts and signage.

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The storm on Tuesday in Medicine Hat caused damage throughout the community, including at the Co-op Cardlock north of the Medicine Hat Regional Airport. (Image Credit: Jesse Gill/CHAT News)

Wind damage was also reported in southeast Calgary and in Gleichen.

Environment Canada also received a report of golf-ball-sized hail, measuring about 4.5 centimetres in diameter, northwest of Brooks.

Two tornadoes were reported in southern Alberta during the storm outbreak. However, Environment Canada said there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm whether either tornado touched down.

The federal weather agency is working with the Northern Tornadoes Project to investigate the reports. Officials said additional information could become available as damage assessments and analysis continue.

While the southern Alberta tornado reports remain under investigation, the Northern Tornadoes Project has confirmed two tornadoes that occurred in northwestern Alberta a day earlier.

Based on visual evidence, damage reports and radar data, the project said at least one tornado touched down near Girouxville and Enilda, while another happened near Nampa and Harmon Valley on Monday. Both areas are just south of the Peace River.

A damage survey team has been dispatched to the affected areas to assess these storms and determine their strength and impacts.

Environment Canada said Tuesday’s storm summary contains preliminary information and does not constitute a final report. The agency is encouraging residents who witnessed severe weather or experienced storm damage to submit reports as the investigation continues.

Officials say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

by Jesse Gill

Powerful thunderstorms hit southeast Alberta Tuesday with wind gusts over 130 km/h

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