An Alberta emergency alert has been issued for parts of southern and central Alberta after a tornado was sighted near the town of Didsbury, Alta.
Environment and Climate Change Canada said at 1:50 p.m. meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm that is producing a tornado.
Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.
The tornado — located near Didsbury, about 82 kilometres north of Calgary — is moving southeast at 40 kilometres per hour.
A tornado WARNING is in effect for the following areas in southern Alberta:<br><br>- Mountain View Co. near Olds and Didsbury<br>- Mountain View Co. near Carstairs and Stirlingville<br><br>Seek shelter immediately! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ABStorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ABStorm</a> <a href=”https://t.co/0U1j78N7j5″>pic.twitter.com/0U1j78N7j5</a>
—@weathernetwork
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” reads the alert on Environment Canada’s website.
“Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.”
The Government of Alberta’s website notes that a critical alert means residents or people within the area should take action now.
As of 2:05 p.m., the affected areas are the following: Mountain View County, Didsbury, Olds and Carstairs.