Tornado warning issued for rural area southeast of Brooks, Alberta

A tornado warning blanketed a rural area southeast of Brooks, Alberta, on Tuesday afternoon as a severe thunderstorm swept across the region. Environment Canada meteorologists reported tracking a storm that was possibly producing a tornado.

The storm, located south of Tilley and moving southeast at 40 km/h, posed a "very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," according to the weather agency. Communities in the storm's path included Ralston and Suffield.

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This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.

Environment Canada also warned of possible damaging winds, large hail, and locally intense rainfall. Wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour were anticipated in the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas, strong enough to damage trees, buildings, and overturn vehicles.

The warning prompted an Alberta Emergency Alert for the County of Newell near Tilley and Rolling Hills, later expanded to include Cypress County near Suffield and Highway 879. Residents were advised to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or sturdy shelter. If no shelter was available, people were instructed to lie in a low spot and protect their heads from flying debris.

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Take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or a sturdy shelter when threatening weather approaches