Tornado touches down during Alberta storms

Environment Canada has confirmed that at least one tornado touched down in Alberta over the long weekend as a strong storm system moved across the province.

Severe thunderstorms moved through Flagstaff County on Sunday and there has been one report of a tornado touching down near Hardisty. According to Environment Canada, the vortex was short lived and some damage was reported in a farm yard, but there were no reports of injuries.

LIVE on #Periscope https://t.co/hIXkRHBvzS

— Prairie StormChasers (@PrairieChasers) July 3, 2016

Weak funnel clouds were also reported throughout the province including south-west of Drumheller and west of Coronation. Funnel clouds were also spotted halfway to the ground north-west of Oyen and near the Siksika Nation. Reports indicate that a funnel cloud almost touched the ground south-west of Gem, but Environment Canada has not received information that it actually touched down.

South west of #KillamAB #abstorm (photo A.Albrecht) pic.twitter.com/39XtR8FqaG

— Bud James (@BudJamesAB) July 3, 2016

Massive hail was reported across the province, some reaching 64 mm in size. Wind gusts up to 94 km/hr were are reported in Patricia. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the City of Calgary and Okotoks as there is a possibility of strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Killam/Hardisty, AB tornado 4:18pm July 3, 2016 @PrairieChasers #abstorm pic.twitter.com/4P5OPr6VLN

— Nevin deMilliano (@SwiftChaser) July 4, 2016

So this is happening right now in front of my sisters home in Ponoka #abstorm @weathernetwork @CTVdavidspence pic.twitter.com/dLcdc6xE19

— Sandra Forbes (@forbes_sandra) June 30, 2016

#Ponoka #abstorm happening now. Swirling funnel cloud @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/SAz394WhG0

— Mark Deschiffart (@MarkDeschiffart) June 30, 2016

Nasty storm just north of @PonokaStampede @CTVdavidspence @MargeauxMorin #abstorm pic.twitter.com/8mCoP4zEHb

— Cal Jarvis (@TDFprostaffFF) June 30, 2016