Multiple landspout tornadoes occurred Monday in central Alberta

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Pimiskern says the landspout tornadoes have also not yet been given a rating.

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“Landspout tornadoes are also known as non-supercell tornadoes, meaning they typically occur along a boundary; that could be winds converging into a line, and they typically occur beneath rapidly growing cumulus clouds,” Pimiskern explains.

“Whereas, supercell tornadoes, or what people typically associate with tornadoes, are associated with thunderstorms that have rotating updrafts.

Pimiskern says preliminary investigation, which included reviewing the radar, determined there was no lightning at the time these landspouts were occurring, effectively confirming they were in fact tornadoes of the landspout variety.

Landspout tornadoes are more typical for April, May and into June, with supercell tornadoes more often occurring in late June, July and August, she adds.

And because landspout tornadoes come with less noticeability as far as radar is concenred, that’s why there weren’t watches or warnings, says Pimiskern.

ECCC may issue an update later in the week, but they also encourage folks to watch for updates via the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) run by Western University.

You can report a tornado to the NTP here, or to ECCC by emailing abstorm@ec.gc.ca.

UPDATE — ECCC issued a weather summary report late Tuesday:

Between May 17 and May 18, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada, in collaboration with the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), have confirmed 7 landspout tornadoes occurred across southern Alberta.

Tornado Confirmed near Crestmore on May 17, 2026.

Time: 5:10 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Tornado Confirmed near Didsbury on May 17, 2026.

Time: 5:29 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Tornado Confirmed near Olds on May 17, 2026.

Time: 6:45 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Tornado Confirmed near Olds on May 18, 2026.

Time: 12:50 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Tornado Confirmed near Garfield on May 18, 2026.

Time: 5:15 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Tornado Confirmed near Gull Lake on May 18, 2026.

Time: 5:15 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Tornado Confirmed near Blackfalds on May 18, 2026.

Time: 5:21 p.m. MDT

Rating: EF0-Default

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) received multiple reports and photos for each event; however, there have been no reports of damage at this time.

These tornadoes are considered landspout tornadoes that were generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous as they can topple trees, damage roofs, or toss debris a short distance.

ECCC meteorologists are seeking pictures of any damage these tornadoes may have caused. Should you have any information regarding these events, or to report severe weather at any time, please call 1-800-239-0484, email storm@ec.gc.ca, or post to #abstorm.

Please note that this summary may contain preliminary or unofficial information and does not constitute a complete or final report.