A tornado tore through Clearwater County in central Alberta on Saturday evening, damaging homes, farm buildings and trees, while authorities reported no injuries or livestock deaths.
According to CBC News, Environment Canada issued a tornado warning at about 5:20 PM MT, calling the situation “very dangerous and potentially life-threatening” as the storm moved towards communities including Rocky Mountain House. The warning was lifted later that evening.
Residents described extensive damage after the tornado passed. Bryn Hansen told CBC News he and his grandmother took shelter in their basement after hearing strong winds.
“All the buildings were gone. Just ruined. Its been there my whole life. Looking out the window and it just not being there anymore was just crazy,” Hansen said.
Clearwater County Reeve Jordon Northcott said buildings were destroyed, homes damaged and trees torn down.
“That’s when it really sank in that this is quite a disaster,” he said.
Local resident Amanda Olson, who was helping clear debris from a family property, described the emotional impact.
“There’s kind of a loss for words when you actually look at everything,” Olson told CBC News.
Officials said crews continue to assess the damage, while residents and volunteers have begun clean-up efforts across the affected areas.
Authorities confirmed there have been no reports of injuries linked to the tornado.
