Calgary under special weather statement over possible tornado conditions

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement for Calgary on Sunday, warning that conditions could produce funnel clouds and weak landspout tornadoes later in the day.

The weather agency released the statement at 11:47 AM, saying conditions were favourable “for the development of funnel clouds early this afternoon through this evening.”

“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms,” Environment Canada said in the statement.

“This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado,” the agency added.

Environment Canada warned that while landspout tornadoes are usually weaker than traditional tornadoes, they can still pose risks.

“Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances,” the statement said.

Calgary is expected to see a 60 percent chance of showers Sunday afternoon and evening, along with the risk of thunderstorms.

Forecasters also predicted north winds gusting up to 40 km/h and a daytime high of 14C.