On Monday evening, a large hail hit the MacEwan Glen area in northwest Calgary. Environment Canada reported that meteorologists were monitoring a severe thunderstorm at the time. CBC News
Severe thunderstorm warnings are still in effect for some areas of Alberta after heavy hail and rain hit parts of the province on Monday evening.
Environment Canada reported that meteorologists have been tracking a "very dangerous thunderstorm" capable of producing baseball-sized hail, strong wind gusts, and heavy rain. Just after 9 p.m., the storm was in Cheadle and Strathmore, Alberta, moving east at 50 km/h.
An Alberta Emergency Alert was initially issued at 7:57 p.m. on Monday, warning of torrential rain and large hail for parts of southern Alberta. At 8:58 p.m., the alert was updated, emphasizing the need for "extra care and attention." The emergency alert affects the following areas:
- Foothills County near Blackie
- Vulcan County near Arrowwood, Herronton, and Queenstown
- Vulcan County near Vulcan and Ensign
"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," reads Environment Canada's website. "Extremely large hail can smash windows, destroy property and vehicles, and cause life-threatening injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees, and overturn large vehicles."
In the Country Hills area of northwest Calgary, hail caused damage, leaving several car windows shattered. CBC News
The agency advises people to seek shelter during dangerous weather. Photos from northwest Calgary show lawns covered in hail and broken branches and car windows smashed by the hailstorm.
Calgary, initially included in the emergency alert, is now under a severe thunderstorm watch, according to Environment Canada. A spokesperson for the Calgary Airport Authority confirmed that the YYC Calgary International Airport domestic terminal building sustained damage from hail and heavy rain. "We are prioritizing the safety of all guests and staff and clearing the impacted area. We are currently assessing the damage and its impact on operations," the spokesperson said, adding that no injuries have been reported.
A lawn in northwest Calgary was blanketed with hail on Monday evening after an Alberta Emergency Alert warned of severe thunderstorms and large hail. CBC News
The spokesperson also noted that the airport expects delays to inbound and outbound flights due to the damage, advising travellers to contact their airlines to confirm flight statuses.
