UPDATE: 10:22 pm Environment Canada ended the tornado watch for Central Alberta, and down graded the severe thunderstorm warning to a thunderstorm watch.

There is still the potential for strong wind gusts and heavy precipitation at times but it is not imminent at this time.

For the latest forecast click here.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Just after 8:30 pm Wednesday evening Environment Canada issued a tornado watch and a severe thunderstorm warning for many parts of Central Alberta.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes.Severe thunderstorm have developed in the Drayton Valley and Rocky Mountain House regions. These storms will track to the northeast.

This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions:

  • Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
  • Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and
  • move to a strong building if you can.
  • As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris

Check the latest forecast here

8:37 PM MDT Wednesday 21 July 2021

Tornado watch in effect for:

City of Red Deer

Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands

Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror

Lacombe Co. near Eckville

Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley

Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis

Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne

Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden

Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake

Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park

Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

8:46 PM MDT Wednesday 21 July 2021Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for:

Lacombe Co. near Eckville

Ponoka Co. near Crestomere

Ponoka Co. near Rimbey Bluffton and Hoadley

Severe Thunderstorm warning

At 9:19 p.m. MDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, up to toonie size hail and heavy rain.This thunderstorm is located 7 km northwest of Sylvan Lake and is moving towards the northeast at 35 km/h.

9:19 PM MDT Wednesday 21 July 2021Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for:

Lacombe Co. near Eckville

Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley

Clearwater Co. near Rocky Mtn House and Crimson Lake

map of tornado watches and thunderstorm warnings courtesy of Environment Canada