A cloud was seen in the sky over northern Airdrie on Sunday evening. CBC
Sudden Storm Hits Calgary
A strong and fast-moving storm struck Calgary on Sunday evening, bringing golf ball-sized hail, fierce winds, and heavy rain. Wind speeds in northeast Calgary reached up to 93 km/h around 8 p.m. The storm caused damage to trees, gardens, and power lines, along with local flooding.
Storm’s Path and Impact
The storm began near Cochrane and quickly moved through Calgary before heading southeast toward Chestermere, Langdon, and Vulcan County. Experts described the storm as intense and fast, with dark clouds creating a dramatic view as it swept over the city.
Large chunks of hail fell in Mount Pleasant, a neighborhood in northwest Calgary, during the storm on Sunday. CBC
Residents Describe the Chaos
People living in areas like North Haven and Thorncliffe saw the full force of the storm. Barb Heeb shared how the weather changed within minutes. The wind picked up, rain poured heavily, and hail started falling, making it hard to see even across the street. Trees lost leaves, and the streets flooded. “It was chaos,” she said.
Tara Schneider, another resident, said the wind was so loud it felt like a tornado. The hail shredded plants and bushes in her yard, and the sound of the storm made her fear the worst. She added that she had just cleaned her windows the day before, joking about the unfortunate timing.
North Haven in northwest Calgary faced severe hail on Sunday, leaving streets flooded and knocking down street signs. CBC
Damage Reports and City Response
Stormwater and city crews responded to several 311 calls on Monday. People reported clogged drains and flooded roads. Parks officials confirmed that tree branches, leaves, and bark were torn off across various neighborhoods. Watering schedules in parks were paused due to the rain.
In Mount Pleasant, Jodi Lucas shared a photo of the massive hailstones that hit her area. Many sidewalks were littered with leaves and flower petals. Fallen trees blocked paths and damaged gardens. One image showed a yield sign knocked flat in North Haven. Another captured a rainbow appearing after the storm, behind broken branches and scattered leaves.
A rainbow appeared in Calgary’s Thorncliffe area after Sunday night’s hailstorm, visible behind trees and broken branches. CBC
More Trouble Ahead
Following the hail, a rain warning was issued for Calgary on Monday. Officials expected 50 to 80 mm of rain throughout the day. The city continued to monitor drainage and flooding concerns while asking residents to report any issues.
First-Hand Experiences
Andy Wolff was inside the Calgary Winter Club when he heard loud banging. He ran out and was shocked to see what looked like a snowstorm, with hail flying sideways across the parking lot. “It was incredible,” he said.
Others described how the storm sounded like glass breaking or even a tornado. Some were unsure if their homes suffered damage and planned to inspect the aftermath once the weather settled.
