Weather conditions in Medicine Hat on July 18, 2022. (Image: My96 FM)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Dangerous storm, heavy hail in southeastern Alberta

Jul 18, 2022 | 3:25 PM

UPDATE: Environment Canada has not confirmed a tornado during Monday’s storm. This story has been updated.

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Communities in southeastern Alberta are experiencing significant weather.

At 1:57 pm on Monday, July 18, 2022, Alberta Emergency Alert reported that a tornado touched down in the area of Highway 523 and Highway 1 in Cypress County near Medicine Hat. In later updates, the wording was changed to “a storm with dangerous and damaging winds,” and Environment Canada has said it was likely a “plow wind storm.”

They say it has caused damage to homes and vehicles in the area.

The storm has resulted in a loss of power for 7,338 customers in Medicine Hat. The City of Medicine Hat says infrastructure has been damaged in several places.

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Videos posted by CHAT News Today and My96 FM show low visibility due to hail and strong winds.

511 Alberta has reported an overturned vehicle on Highway 3 near Highway 855. Drivers are asked to use alternate routes.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for areas in the southeastern corner of the province as well as a severe thunderstorm watch in regions closer to Lethbridge.

“Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Large hail can damage property and cause injury,” reads a portion of the severe thunderstorm warning from Environment Canada. “Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”