Severe storms could bring hail, heavy rain and tornado risk to Alberta

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and surrounding regions, warning that severe weather could develop across southern Alberta on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The national weather agency said conditions are favourable for thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall.

Forecasters have also noted a slight risk of tornado development.

According to Global News, Calgary’s earlier severe thunderstorm warning was lifted at around 4:40 PM.

Environment Canada warned that wind gusts could reach up to 80 kilometres per hour in the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas.

Such winds may be strong enough to damage trees and buildings and could overturn vehicles.

In Calgary, gusts were expected to peak at around 60 km/h before easing to about 20 km/h later in the evening.

The latest weather alert comes shortly after Environment Canada confirmed a tornado touched down near Girouxville in northern Alberta.

The tornado was reported at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, approximately 60 kilometres south of Peace River.