Warning ends after possible tornado observed in southeastern Alberta
A tornado warning has ended after a severe thunderstorm hit southeastern Alberta on Tuesday.
At 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, the alert cautioned that a possible tornado was located southeast of the community of Big Stone, heading southeast at 15 km/h — and that it could bring with it baseball-sized hail.
The alert ended at 6:11 p.m., with Environment and Climate Change Canada saying the storm had weakened and was no longer expected to produce hail of that size or a tornado.
However, a severe thunderstorm warning remained in place for the area. Environment Canada said very strong winds, hail the size of Ping-Pong balls and heavy rain could still be expected. That storm was 30 kilometres northwest of Buffalo, heading southeast at 30 km/h.
"Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches," Environment and Climate Change Canada warned.
"If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately."
Big Stone is an unincorporated community, located in Alberta Special Area 3, about 200 kilometres east of Calgary.
Severe thunderstorm watches were in place for much of the province on Tuesday evening. An up-to-date list of weather alerts by region can be found on Environment Canada's website.
