Severe thunderstorm risk targets parts of Alberta today

Parts of central Alberta could see severe thunderstorms today, with the highest threat centred near the Edmonton region.

An area stretching across portions of central Alberta is under a high risk for severe thunderstorms through Tuesday evening. There is the potential for damaging winds, large hail, torrential rainfall and isolated tornadoes.

The area facing the greatest threat could experience:

• Wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h

• Hail up to 4 to 6 centimetres in diameter

• Rainfall totals of 40 to 60 millimetres

• A risk of tornado development with the strongest storms

  
  

The high-risk zone includes areas west and north of Edmonton, where atmospheric conditions are expected to be most favourable for severe storm development.

Surrounding regions of Alberta are under a minor risk for severe weather. In southern portions of the province, isolated thunderstorms could produce wind gusts near 70 km/h and localized heavy downpours of up to 30 millimetres.

Far northern Alberta is also included in a minor risk area, where thunderstorms may generate wind gusts of around 60 km/h.