Screenshot from Amanda McCrea Wolfe's video (see below) of a tornado on June 3, 2024 in Edberg, Alberta. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall

weather

UPDATE: Five tornadoes now confirmed in central Alberta on June 3

Jun 5, 2024 | 7:10 PM

UPDATE (June 7) – Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is now confirming that five — not two as stated on June 5 — tornadoes touched down in central Alberta on June 3.

The updated conclusion was arrived at after investigation by the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP).

It’s now said that four tornadoes occurred near Edberg between 2:38 p.m. and 2:56 p.m., with ECCC receiving many pictures and video from the area. That included of damage to a farm.

An on-site survey rated the damage as EF0 for the four events, with an estimated max wind speed between 115-130km/h.

The fifth tornado was located southeast of Gadsby, says ECCC, which originally pegged it near Halkirk, less than 15 km east. No damage was found from that tornado, also assessed as an EF0.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

ECCC says it started around 4:45 p.m.

People with additional information regarding these events should report it to 1-800-230-0484, email storm@ec.gc.ca, or post to social media with #abstorm.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has confirmed two tornadoes touched down in central Alberta on June 3.

The first was at about 2:45 p.m. near Edberg, Alberta, which is 126 km northeast of Red Deer, and 30 minutes south of Camrose.

ECCC says it received many reports of a tornado causing damage to buildings and trees, though exact numbers have not been confirmed.

Investigation is still happening to determine if any other tornadoes occurred in that area between 2:45 and 4 p.m.

Another tornado then touched down at 4:45 p.m. near Halkirk, about 120 km east of Red Deer, and 30 minutes east of Stettler.

No damage has been reported.

According to ECCC, the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), in collaboration with ECCC, is conducting a storm damage survey, a summary for which will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

Alysa Pederson, ECCC meteorologist, says the organization is still conducting a case study, but adds that it appears the tornadoes likely developed in different ways as a large low pressure system that dropped 30 mm of rain from Grande Prairie to Edmonton progressed eastward.

If nothing else, Pederson says the occurrences serve as an important reminder about severe weather safety.

“The biggest thing in rural Alberta is to not go hide under overpasses. We see that on the QEII a lot when hail moves through, particularly from the Red Deer to Innisfail/Bowden area,” says Pederson.

“It’s dangerous, especially if a tornado is coming through, because it can intensify under the overpass. We are in severe weather season which will intensify through June and into July before tapering off mid-August.

Additionally, it’s recommended people download the official ECCC WeatherCAN mobile app, which will offer the most instant weather alerts as they happen.

Plus, the Storm Prediction Centre remains available for additional forecasting.

ECCC meteorologists are seeking pictures of any damage these events may have caused. Should you have any information regarding these events, or to report severe weather at any time, call 1-800-239-0484, email storm@ec.gc.ca, or post on X to #ABstorm.