Funnel clouds in Northeast Calgary, stretching to Chestermere and Strathmore prompted a tornado warning from the Alberta Emergency Alert System, which spread into Vulcan County around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment Canada, Blaine Lowry, says areas north of Calgary have a better chance of seeing tornadoes than we do here in the Foothills, but they can still happen here.

"We do see severe thunderstorms and tornadic thunderstorms in that part of the province as well. Back in June, we had a confirmed tornado down by Barnwell. That's in that area which climatologically has less thunderstorm activity but tornadoes are still a threat."

Lowry, says tornadoes can certainly cause destruction, but the storms that bring them contain something even more deadly.

"If you look at the number of injuries and deaths that are caused across the country in a given year, lightning is actually far ahead of tornadoes, So, that's something definitely to be aware of when you see those thunder clouds rolling your way."

Lowry, says if you're in an area affected by an alert, get inside quickly.

"You want to head to a basement if you have it. If you don't have a basement, you want to head to an interior room, preferably without any windows. That's your best bet if you're inside."

He says if you're outside, lay down in a ditch or low spot.

He says don't go under a bridge deck, as the wind can actually pick up speed as it's forced under the bridge.

Lowry says on average Alberta records 12 tornadoes per year.

He says they've confirmed four so far in 2020.

 

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