A large chunk of central Alberta has been issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Tuesday, with the risk of large hail and damaging wind gusts.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued severe thunderstorm watches for some large populations in the province including Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Red Deer, Lacombe, Spruce Grove, and Whitecourt.
The watch added that “conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail,” with the timeframe of the severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon and early this evening.
“Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees, and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes,” ECCC added.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, and torrential rainfall.