Funnel clouds possible Thursday afternoon around Red Deer

Conditions will be favourable for the development of funnel clouds today, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

ECCC issued a special weather statement at 3:41 p.m. on Thursday, impacting Red Deer and other parts of central Alberta. (See map below)

Per ECCC:

“A few funnel clouds have been spotted this afternoon. Conditions will remain favourable for the development of funnel clouds this afternoon and into the early evening hours. 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.