Funnel clouds spotted in Alberta Thursday afternoon
Digital Reporter
Thursday, July 23, 2015, 7:56 PM - Funnel clouds were spotted in Crossfield, Alta., Thursday, kicking off the third-straight day of active weather for the Prairies.
Severe storms -- including large hail, heavy rain and strong winds -- are expected to impact parts of the Prairies into Thursday night with Manitoba expected to be the hardest hit, where the potential exists for storms to fire up into the evening before clearing during the overnight hours.
On Thursday afternoon, social media lit up with several photos of funnel clouds in Alberta.
Two funnel clouds sighted near #Crossfield, AB at 1:42 p.m. MDT by @ArchanaSandhu: pic.twitter.com/C9VqVQdpFx #abstorm
— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) July 23, 2015@weathernetwork #crossfield #funnelcloud pic.twitter.com/d99JH7dwiN
— Arch (@ArchanaSandhu) July 23, 2015
Dark clouds, hail and rain moved into Manitoba in the afternoon..
Intense storms in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan dropped hail the size of golf balls and in some areas, clementines, on Tuesday, leaving some roads looking as if they were coated in snow.
Localized flooding was also reported in areas, as some cells dropped as much as 75 mm of rain in an hour.
SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
Here are a few tips that can help keep you safe, courtesy of The Weather Network and the Canadian and American Red Cross.
LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS
- Stay away from windows.
- Unplug appliances.
- Do not use the telephone.
- Avoid running tap water.
- Try to reach a safe building or vehicle (picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT considered safe).
- Avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers.
- If you are out on the water, get to land and find shelter immediately.
IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
- Call for help / dial 911.
- The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned or have other injuries.
- People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely.
- Give first aid. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.
Environment Canada offers a 30-30 rule. If you can count 30 seconds or less between seeing a lightning flash and hearing the thunder, take shelter and stay there until 30 minutes after you last hear thunder.
KEEP ON TOP OF ACTIVE WEATHER: Visit the Alerts section of the website
TORNADO SAFETY TIPS
- Should a tornado develop, seek underground shelter when possible -- preferably in a basement.
- In the absence of an underground room opt for a windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a solid building.
- Never try to outrun a tornado.
- Keep cell phone and/or battery-operated radio handy so you can keep on top of tornado watches and warnings.
- DO NOT go outside if a tornado is imminent or occurring in your area.
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING SIGNS
- Large hail
- Strong winds
- Debris clouds and tree damage
- Torrential rain
- Severe thunder/lightning
- Dark, often greenish clouds
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Funnel clouds
Related: Does Canada have a 'hail storm alley'?
