Environment Canada issues Orange alert for potential dangerous thunderstorm activity

Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an Orange alert Sunday morning for potentially dangerous thunderstorm activity for a large section of southern Alberta, skirting along the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, and northwest into the Calgary region.

While traditionally Yellow alerts are issued for thunderstorm watches and warnings in our area, the weather agency upgraded to Orange, classifying both its confidence and the impact level at HIGH.

It’s warning that conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain this afternoon and into this evening.

In a weather statement, it said “Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings and overturn vehicles. Large hail can cause significant damage and injury.”