Environment Canada has issued orange and yellow level severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Central Alberta, warning dangerous storms could develop this evening.<\/p>\n
The orange level watch is in effect for:<\/p>\n
\n\tPonoka County near Crestomere
\n\tLacombe Co. near\u00a0Eckville\u00a0
\n\tLacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley\u00a0
\n\tRed Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House
\n\tRed Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park
\n\tRed Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden\u00a0
\n\tCity of Red Deer\u00a0
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The yellow watch is for:<\/p>\n
\n\tWetaskiwin County near Pigeon Lake\u00a0
\n\tWetaskiwin County near Alder Flats and Winfield\u00a0
\n\tPonoka County near Rimbey, Bluffton and Hoadley\u00a0
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The orange-level severe thunderstorm watch map. Website\/Environment Canada<\/p>\n
Related Stories:<\/p>\n
Dangerous conditions<\/p>\n
Forecasters say conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.<\/p>\n
Thunderstorms developing over western Alberta are expected to move northeast through the region this evening.<\/p>\n
Eckville, Rimbey and Rocky Mountain house tornado warnings ended\u00a0<\/p>\n
The tornado warnings near Eckville, Rimbey, and Rocky Mountain House have ended.<\/p>\n
At 8:26 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, up to quarter size hail and heavy rain.<\/p>\n
These severe thunderstorms are located from Bluffton to Thorsby and are moving toward the northeast at 30 km\/h.<\/p>\n
Large hail may cause significant damage and injury.<\/p>\n
Take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.<\/p>\n
The thunderstorm warnings replaced the tornado warnings near Eckville, Rocky Mountain House and Rimbey. Website\/Environment Canada
\nCluster near Rocky Mountain House<\/p>\n
At 8:33 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, loonie to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.<\/p>\n
This cluster of thunderstorms is located near Rocky Mountain House and is moving northeast at 25 km\/h.<\/p>\n
Large hail may cause significant damage and injury.<\/p>\n
How to stay safe<\/p>\n
Residents are encouraged to be prepared for severe weather and seek shelter in a basement or interior room if threatening conditions approach.<\/p>\n
Those outdoors should protect themselves from flying debris and hail, and head indoors when thunder is heard.<\/p>\n
Environment Canada says strong wind gusts can damage trees and buildings or overturn vehicles, while large hail can cause significant damage and injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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** With information from Environment Canada.<\/p>\n
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