Calgary airport : Southern Alberta experienced a series of severe thunderstorms on Monday evening, resulting in significant hail and rainfall that caused extensive damage and disruptions across the region. Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm warnings, highlighting the risk of baseball-sized hail, strong wind gusts, and heavy rain.Calgary airport
As the storms swept through Calgary and other areas, Environment Canada tracked a “very dangerous thunderstorm” moving east at 50 km/h. The agency’s warnings were issued for parts of southern Alberta, including Cheadle and Strathmore. The thunderstorm produced hailstones as large as golf balls, causing damage to property and vehicles. An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued at 7:57 p.m., cautioning residents about the potential for life-threatening injuries and urging them to seek shelter. Calgary airport
Calgary airport
The severe weather forced the cancellation of major events, including the Edmonton Heritage Festival and the Big Valley Jamboree. At the Calgary International Airport, the domestic terminal building suffered damage from hail and heavy rainfall. A spokesperson for the Calgary Airport Authority confirmed the incident, stating that safety measures were being prioritized and that the damage assessment was underway. The airport experienced delays to inbound and outbound flights, and travelers were advised to check with their airlines for updates.
Several travelers shared their experiences during the storm. Jodie Russett, who was traveling from Toronto to Kelowna, described watching part of the airport’s ceiling fall. Emmanuel Ebere, another traveler, expressed frustration but acknowledged that the situation was beyond anyone’s control. Both travelers were uncertain about their departure times, reflecting the widespread disruption caused by the storm.
Meteorologist Heather Pimiskern of Environment and Climate Change Canada explained that the atmospheric conditions in southern Alberta were conducive to severe storms. She noted that the storms were expected to continue moving east, potentially reaching the Saskatchewan border. The agency received reports of hailstones up to 4.5 centimeters in diameter in Calgary.
The storm also posed a tornado risk for certain areas, with the potential for supercell formations. The threat of damaging winds exceeding 100 km/h, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning was significant. Residents were advised to stay alert and monitor weather updates, especially in regions under severe storm watches.
The severe weather conditions are expected to continue into the early hours of Tuesday. An upper-level trough is forecasted to bring cooler temperatures and wetter conditions to central and southern Alberta, providing some relief from the ongoing wildfire season. However, the risk of new wildfires remains high due to potential lightning strikes from the thunderstorms. Calgary airport
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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