Stock photo of tornado during severe thunderstorm. John Sirlin/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

WEATHER

‘Landspout’-type tornado outside of Medicine Hat Canada’s first of the year

Apr 13, 2025 | 10:17 AM

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Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed a tornado occurred in southern Alberta 10 km north of Rolling Hills on Saturday.

Northern Tornadoes Project said analysis of photos, video, radar and the storm environment indicated that it was a “landspout”-type tornado”.

ECCC said the tornado was generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

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It said landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage — but can still be dangerous as they can topple trees, damage roofs, or toss debris a short distance.

ECCC said the tornado occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. MDT.

It said the tornado was the first recorded in Canada for the year.

Brandon Houck, weather observer at The Weather Network, shared a video on Facebook credited to Darby Lester of the tornado.

Courtesy/Bantry Seed Farms

NTP said at this point, no damage has been reported with the tornado, and no damage survey investigation is planned.

The NTP was founded at Western University with the support of social impact fund ImpactWX, and aims to better detect tornado occurrence throughout Canada.

ECCC said meteorologists are seeking pictures of the tornado and/or any damage it may have caused.