People are cleaning up the debris left behind from a couple of severe storms that passed through the city on Tuesday.

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the city at about 5:35 p.m. and wind gusts up to nearly 80 km/h were recorded in different areas of the city.

The wind was so intense that it ripped the roof off of a Mayland Heights apartment building.

Dennis Ramsey saw the roof blow off the building and said he was surprised at how sudden it all happened. "I saw something just come off like that; like a big sheet. But I thought it was just a sheet from on top of the roof. But then I saw the side up there, up in the air, and they're coming down. So I said, 'that's all that came off'. Then I came out and I realized how big it was."

16 people inside the building were evacuated and there is no word yet when they'll be able to return home.

"Thanksfully no injuries have been reported and Calgary Housing is working with five families to help them find a place to stay during the time coming," said Deputy Chief Susan Henry, Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

In other areas of the city, huge trees snapped and fell into streets and yards and power was knocked out to about 35,000 Calgarians.

City crews are working on 113 tree emergency service requests most to deal with broken branches.

Drivers were stranded on water logged streets across the city and many motorists had to use alternate routes after police closed down intersections and underpasses.

“My car completely shut down and then 911 told me to get out of my car and crawl onto the roof,” said one driver who tried to make his way through a large puddle.

“As of now all roads and underpasses have been cleared of pooled water and debris and they are open as of right now,” said Henry.

The 311 call centre received 2031 calls between 5:00 and 10:00 p.m., which is about three times higher than normal, and 911 handled over 600 calls between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Westbound Memorial Drive, from just past Edmonton Trail to 3 Street N.W., was closed for a time because it was flooded.

Officials say residents should continue to watch for debris on roads and pathways and to avoid driving through large pools of water.

Environment Canada issued another thunderstorm warning for the city on Wednesday afternoon.