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Edmonton Weather Watch: Severe Storms and Hail Threaten Alberta

Albertans, especially those in and around Edmonton, need to stay weather-aware. The Prairies are bracing for potentially severe weather, including thunderstorms and the risk of large hail. This article breaks down the current weather situation, potential impacts, and what you need to know to stay safe.

Recent Updates: Storms on the Horizon

The weather across Alberta has been active, and that pattern is expected to continue. Recent alerts highlight the possibility of severe thunderstorms impacting various regions.

• Grande Prairie Under Watch: As of July 1, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Grande Prairie and surrounding areas (EverythingGP). While this specific watch might have expired or evolved, it signals the overall atmospheric instability in the region.
• Hail Threat: Reports indicate the potential for "baseball size hail" to impact the Prairies (MSN). This kind of hail can cause significant damage to property, vehicles, and even pose a risk to people.
• Peaking Prairie Heat: The Weather Network reports that peaking Prairie heat is prolonging the severe storm threat, increasing the risk of damaging impacts, including large hail. This combination of heat and atmospheric instability creates the perfect conditions for severe thunderstorm development.

Contextual Background: Alberta's Storm Season

Alberta is no stranger to severe weather. The province's location on the Canadian Prairies makes it susceptible to thunderstorms, hailstorms, and even tornadoes, particularly during the summer months. Warm, moist air from the south colliding with cooler air masses from the north and west creates the volatile conditions that fuel these storms.

The geography of the region, with its vast open spaces, allows storms to develop and intensify with relatively little obstruction. This is why it's crucial for Albertans to stay informed and prepared during storm season.

Understanding the patterns of severe weather in Alberta is essential for effective preparedness. Historically, certain areas have been more prone to specific types of weather events. For example, regions along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains often experience stronger winds due to downslope effects. The Edmonton region, situated in the central part of the province, experiences a mix of weather conditions, making it important to monitor forecasts closely.

Immediate Effects: Potential Impacts on Edmonton and Surrounding Areas

The immediate effects of severe thunderstorms and large hail can be significant. Here's what Edmontonians and those in surrounding areas should be aware of:

• Property Damage: Large hail can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Strong winds associated with thunderstorms can also topple trees and power lines, leading to power outages.
• Agricultural Impacts: Farmers are particularly vulnerable to hailstorms, which can decimate crops in a matter of minutes. This can have significant economic consequences for the agricultural sector and potentially impact food prices.
• Travel Disruptions: Heavy rain, hail, and strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous. Reduced visibility and the risk of hydroplaning can lead to accidents and traffic delays.
• Localized Flooding: Intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to localized flooding in urban areas. This can damage homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Preparing for Severe Weather: What You Can Do

Being prepared is the best way to mitigate the risks associated with severe weather. Here are some steps you can take:

• Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts regularly through reliable sources like Environment Canada, The Weather Network, and local news outlets. Pay attention to weather alerts, including watches and warnings.
• Have an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essential supplies like water, food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.
• Secure Your Property: Take steps to protect your property from damage. This includes trimming trees, clearing gutters, and securing loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds. Consider investing in hail-resistant roofing materials.
• Develop a Safety Plan: Create a family safety plan that outlines what to do in the event of a severe storm. This should include a designated safe place to take shelter, such as a basement or interior room without windows.
• Protect Your Vehicle: If a hailstorm is imminent, try to park your vehicle in a garage or under a carport. If that's not possible, cover your vehicle with blankets or tarps to minimize damage.
• Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning: A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. A warning means that severe weather is imminent or occurring.

Future Outlook: Climate Change and Severe Weather

While it's impossible to attribute any single weather event directly to climate change, scientists agree that a warming climate is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including severe thunderstorms and hailstorms.

As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, which can lead to heavier rainfall and more intense storms. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns can also alter the tracks of storms, potentially bringing more severe weather to certain regions.

It's important to note that the relationship between climate change and severe weather is complex and still being studied. However, the overall trend suggests that we can expect to see more extreme weather events in the future, making preparedness even more critical.

Understanding Hailstorms: A Deeper Dive

Hailstorms are a fascinating and destructive weather phenomenon. Hailstones are formed within thunderstorms when supercooled water droplets freeze onto ice nuclei (small particles like dust or pollen) in the upper atmosphere. These ice particles are then carried up and down within the storm by strong updrafts, accumulating more layers of ice as they collide with supercooled water droplets.

The size of hailstones depends on the strength of the updrafts and the amount of supercooled water available. The stronger the updrafts, the longer the hailstones can stay aloft, accumulating more ice. When the hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support, they fall to the ground as hail.

Hailstorms are most common during the spring and summer months when there is ample moisture and instability in the atmosphere. They can occur anywhere in the world, but are particularly common in the Great Plains region of North America, including Alberta.

Interesting Facts about Hail

• The largest hailstone ever recorded in North America fell in Vivian, South Dakota, in 2010. It measured 8 inches in diameter and weighed nearly 2 pounds.
• Hailstorms can cause significant damage to aircraft, with hailstones capable of shattering windshields and damaging wings.
• Researchers are exploring ways to suppress hail formation by seeding clouds with silver iodide, which can promote the formation of smaller, less damaging hailstones.
• Some hailstorms can produce "giant hail," which are hailstones larger than 2 inches in diameter. These hailstones can cause significant damage and pose a serious risk to people.
• The economic cost of hailstorms in Canada is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

The Importance of Community Preparedness

While individual preparedness is essential, community-level preparedness is also crucial for mitigating the impacts of severe weather. This includes:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the risks of severe weather and how to prepare.
• Emergency Management Planning: Developing comprehensive emergency management plans that outline how to respond to severe weather events.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Investing in infrastructure improvements to reduce the risk of flooding and other weather-related damage.
• Community Support Networks: Establishing community support networks to help people recover from severe weather events.

By working together, communities can become more resilient to the impacts of severe weather and protect the safety and well-being of their residents.

Staying Updated: Reliable Weather Resources

To stay informed about the latest weather updates and alerts, consult the following reliable resources:

• Environment Canada: The official source for weather forecasts and alerts in Canada.
• The Weather Network: A popular weather website and television channel that provides detailed forecasts and weather news.
• Local News Outlets: Local television and radio stations provide up-to-date weather information for your specific area.
• Emergency Management Organizations: Provincial and municipal emergency management organizations provide information and resources on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps to prepare, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the impacts of severe weather. Stay safe, Alberta!