Funnel clouds possible for Red Deer region on Wednesday

The Red Deer region is under a Special Weather Statement Wednesday, which says conditions may be favourable for the development of funnel clouds.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada:

These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado. If conditions become more favourable for the development of landspout tornadoes, watches and warnings will be issued by Environment Canada. Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances. Treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously. Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca, call 1-800-239-0484 or post reports on X using #ABStorm.

In addition to the City of Red Deer, the statement also applies to areas such as Camrose, Stettler, Big Valley, Donalda, Rochon Sands, Pigeon Lake, Three Hills, Clive, Alix, Mirror, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Ponoka, Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden, Pine Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Stephansson House.