Torrential hail, a tornado and thunderstorms blow through south and central Alberta
Thunderstorm watches in place for Calgary, surrounding area
Severe weather swept into southern and central Alberta on Sunday.
A landspout tornado was seen near Nanton at 1:15 p.m., and was moving east at 20 km/h, an emergency alert said. The alert ended at 1:28 p.m.
"Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. One or more weak tornadoes may be occurring in the area. They sometimes appear as funnel clouds with swirling debris near the ground," Environment Canada said.
Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings were also in place for Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds, Sundre and Drumheller on Sunday.
The agency said that the storms could produce very strong wind gusts and damaging hail, along with heavy rain.
Photos and video on social media showed Highway 2 blanketed with hail between Bowden and Red Deer. Innisfail appeared to be hit particularly hard.
My friends just sent me this. They are driving by Red Deer. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yeg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yeg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abstorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abwx?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/qKjjqAlNpc">pic.twitter.com/qKjjqAlNpc</a>
—@KashFidaA bit of a disturbance in Innisfail today! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abstorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Realbryanrolph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Realbryanrolph</a> <a href="https://t.co/yGNrfYjZl6">pic.twitter.com/yGNrfYjZl6</a>
—@jennyi44The storms over central-south Alberta were expected to move east throughout the day, with a risk of severe weather lasting until late Sunday evening.
For the latest updates from Environment Canada, click here.