Alberta jumps to seven tornadoes in 2026 after landspouts confirmed
Multiple landspout tornadoes occurred in southern Alberta over a two-day period, with seven verified on May 17 and 18. They were given preliminary damage ratings of EF-0.
Alberta's 2026 tornado season is off to a fast start after seven landspouts occurred over the past two days.
After investigating several reports, the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) verified seven landspout tornadoes occurred on May 17 and 18. They are the province's first seven twisters of the year.
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According to NTP, landspouts developed near Crestomere, Didsbury and Olds, Alta., on May 17, while on May 18, they occurred near Olds, Garfield, Gull Lake and Blackfalds, Alta. At least one more report is still being investigated.
NTP said there was no reported damage with any of the twisters, so they were all given preliminary, default ratings of EF-0.
Photos of the landspouts were posted on X, with two listed below.
Potential for funnel clouds on Wednesday
The threat of funnel clouds, and perhaps more landspouts, in Alberta will appear again on Wednesday. Saskatchewan will also be at risk of seeng funnel clouds and/or landspouts.
Funnel clouds can form in environments with thunderstorms and rotating columns of air. It is a cone or funnel-shaped condensation cloud that extends from a storm without reaching the surface.
Generated by weak rotation, there is a chance of the funnel could becoming a minor landspout tornado.
"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," said Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in a special weather statement that was issued in parts of Alberta on Tuesday.