Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater, Smoky Lake, Westlock, Barrhead, Athabasca, Lloydminster, Wainwright, Vermilion, Provost, Bonnyville, St. Paul, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche.
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms with the potential to produce tornadoes.
“A tornado watch is Environment Canada giving the public the heads up,” explains Global Edmonton Meteorologist Nicola Crosbie.
She says people should look for “darkening of the skies, clouds lowering, looking like they’re close to the ground, a greenish tinge, any rotation in the cloud at all. It’s a good time to just make sure you have a safety plan in place for your family and that your property is properly secured,” she adds.
Environment Canada says these severe thunderstorms will also have the potential to produce very large hail, flooding rain, deadly lighting, and powerful winds. It says people should use this time to secure outdoor property, and make sure family and co-workers are prepared to take action should the severe weather approach.
“There is no reason to panic now, it’s just to keep your eyes on the skies,” says Crosbie.
“After last night’s big storm through the City of Edmonton, I believe that the cold air that helped created the storm last night is now moving to the east. That cold air in the mid-levels, combined with the daytime heat and all the moisture at the surface, could produce rotational storms,” she explains.
Environment Canada continues to monitor the situation closely. Should severe weather approach, or if you feel threatened, do not wait for warnings to take action. Take shelter immediately.
If you spot a funnel cloud or tornado – and only if it’s safe to do so – call 1-800-239-0484 to report your sighting.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.