Environment Canada Alerts: Southern Alberta to Face 115 km/h Wind Gusts
Residents of Banff, Alberta, faced significant disruption from severe wind gusts overnight. The gusts caused numerous trees to fall, some of which landed on homes and obstructed roads. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Wind Events in Southern Alberta
Banff Fire Chief Keri Martens emphasized the importance of vigilance during such conditions. “In windy conditions like this, you must be aware of your surroundings,” she warned. She advised residents to listen for unusual noises and to stay alert for trees that may fall.
Environmental Forecasts and Warnings
While wind warnings were lifted for Banff on Monday morning, alerts continued for a broader southern Alberta region. This includes areas stretching from the Foothills to just east of Calgary and as far south as the Montana border.
- Calgary: Expected wind gusts up to 90 km/h, posing risks such as flying debris and power outages.
- Lethbridge: Forecasted gusts could reach 115 km/h, increasing safety concerns.
- Edmonton: Wind gusts of up to 50 km/h are anticipated, though not severe enough for warnings.
The wind is accompanied by unseasonably warm temperatures across the region. Calgary is predicted to reach 14°C, while Lethbridge may see highs of 17°C, and Edmonton is expected to hit around 10°C.
Additional Weather Insights
In Banff, the weather is expected to turn wetter with rain forecast for Monday and Tuesday. Although winds are set to diminish by Monday afternoon, the unusually warm temperatures will likely persist throughout the week across southern Alberta.
