129 km/h wind gust hits Edmonton area, prompts emergency alert
Severe thunderstorm warnings surged through Alberta on Thursday evening, with warnings for wind gusts up to 130km/h
Severe thunderstorms roared through central Alberta Thursday night, prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue a rare broadcast-intrusive warning for wind gusts up to 130 km/h.
The alert warned that meteorologists were tracking a "very dangerous" storm capable of producing "destructive wind gusts." The agency advised taking shelter immediately, particularly if roaring winds were heard or funnel clouds or flying debris were spotted.
"Shelter from flying debris if outside," the emergency alert read.
Edmonton airport recorded a wind gust of 129 km/h, setting a new record for the strongest May wind gust, and ranking second all-time, behind the 146 km/h gust on October 1, 1965.
In addition to the extreme winds, Edmonton tied its May temperature record, reaching 32.8°C on Thursday.
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The intense wind gust resulted from an outflow boundary generated by the thunderstorm, which explains why the strong winds occurred ahead of the storm.
Edmonton Oilers fans rushed indoors
The alert was issued during the second intermission of Game 5 between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars, leading to the closure of the Moss Pit.
Fans were directed inside Rogers Place for shelter as the third period was about to begin.
Two tornadoes confirmed on May 26
It's been a wild weather week across the province.
After conducting ground and drone surveys over the past two days in central Alberta, the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) has confirmed two EF1 tornadoes northeast of Edmonton. The tornadoes occurred during the storms that moved through on May 26.
Reports confirm damage to homes near Atmore and Rossian, north of Plamondon, following a storm that swept through the area. Tree damage was also noted, but no injuries have been reported.
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Satellite imagery also identified a narrow path of tree damage near Avenir.
Drone image showing partial roof removal from a home near Atmore, AB. | Northern Tornadoes Project