Funnel cloud spotted in Stettler area; Environment Canada issues brief warning
Albertans in the central part of the province faced some very active weather on Wednesday afternoon.
A tornado warning was issued for the Stettler area and a funnel cloud was spotted before quickly dissipating.
At 4:46 p.m., Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a tornado warning for several communities in the Stettler County area, including Botha, Donalda, Gadsby, Nevis and Rochon Sands.
Witnesses say they watched it for about 10 minutes before it dissipated.
ECCC ended its warning at 5:01 p.m.
At its most intense point, the cloud was very dark in colour and formed a long curve toward the ground.
UNDER INVESTIGATION
The agency says the phenomenon could have been a weak tornado or landspout, but further investigation needs to be done before that can be confirmed.
Officials say the storm occurred at 4:37 p.m., north of Botha, Alta. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
Landspout tornadoes appear and disappear fairly quickly, ECCC says, and generally occur when there is weak rotation under storms.
That doesn't mean that people should treat them any differently than regular tornadoes. You should always seek shelter and stay away from windows and doors during these storms.
ECCC is looking for more information about the storm. Anyone with details, photos or video can submit them by calling 1-800-239-0484, emailing storm@ec.gc.ca or tweet using the hashtag #abstorm.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.