Chasing A Storm

Evening,

I know, it been a hot minute. I have not had much time to go out and photograph some more wildlife. Apologies on that but life got busy and just didn’t have the time. However, mother nature is not disappointing and is raging a storm daily here in Alberta. The storms could be as small as a couple rumbles and drops of rain to full on twirling clouds, green skies, and a raging wind. Last night, I went with a friend and followed a storm cell around Edmonton and area. No, I am not a storm chaser, just a local Alberta country girl who just loves a raging storm. Storms never scared me, yes sometimes they can be insane, intense, and downright dangerous but never overly scared when it comes to a good storm. So what I am going to share with you tonight is some knowledge on clouds, storms that develop in Alberta, and how they can become. Buckle up, she be a ride tonight.

Taken By: My friend Hanna who joined me on last nights adventure. Thank you Hanna!

What Storms Develop In Alberta?

Alberta, Canada, experiences a variety of storms, mainly influenced by its continental climate and diverse geography. Here are the common types of storms in Alberta:

1. Thunderstorms:
   Thunderstorms are most common during the summer months, especially from June to August. These storms often bring heavy rain, lightning, hail, and occasional strong winds. Southern Alberta is particularly prone to intense thunderstorms due to its warmer, drier conditions.

2. Hailstorms:
   Alberta is known for frequent hail events, particularly in the Calgary and Edmonton regions, which lie in one of Canada’s hail-prone areas. Hail can cause significant damage to crops, vehicles, and buildings during the summer.

3. Blizzards:
   During the long winter months, Alberta often experiences blizzards characterized by heavy snow and strong, cold winds. These storms reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions, especially in the northern and central parts of the province.

4. Snowstorms:
   Alongside blizzards, Alberta sees regular snowstorms from November through March. Snow can accumulate quickly, creating challenging conditions in both urban and rural areas.

5. Chinook Winds:
   Although not a storm in the traditional sense, chinook winds are notable weather phenomena. These warm, dry winds can rapidly raise temperatures and melt snow, sometimes causing abrupt changes in winter conditions. While chinooks often bring relief from the cold, they can also lead to rapid snowmelt and localized flooding.

6. Windstorms:
   Alberta experiences strong windstorms, particularly on the open plains and near the Rocky Mountains, where terrain effects can intensify wind speeds. These can cause damage to trees and structures and exacerbate wildfire conditions during dry periods.

Overall, Alberta’s storms reflect the province’s unique climate and landscape, ranging from summer thunderstorms and hail to severe winter snow events and dramatic chinook winds.

Title: She Could Have Spun

Taken: June 27, 2025

Location: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada

Tornadoes

Alberta has a notable history when it comes to tornado activity, ranking among the most tornado-prone provinces in Canada. Tornadoes primarily occur between late spring and early summer, with June and July being peak months due to the combination of warm, moist air and atmospheric instability.

One of the most significant tornado events in Alberta’s history occurred on July 31, 1987, in Edmonton. Known as Black Friday. It was an F4 tornado that caused extensive damage, injuring over 300 people and resulting in 27 fatalities. This tragic event remains the deadliest tornado in Canadian history. It tore through residential, commercial, and industrial areas, highlighting the destructive potential of these storms even in urban environments. It lasted about an hour on the ground moving from the South end of Edmonton to the North side of the city. It was after this day that Edmonton got it’s name City of Champions. Not because of our sports teams but because of our resilience to overcome and help out when disaster strikes.

Another major tornado struck Canmore, Alberta on July 14, 2004, although it was less severe than Edmonton’s tornado. The Canmore tornado was classified as an F2, causing damage to buildings and trees but no fatalities.

Tornadoes in Alberta vary widely in strength, from weak F0 and F1 tornadoes causing minor damage to stronger F3 and F4 twisters capable of severe destruction. The province’s geography, with vast flat prairies and occasional mountain influences, creates a unique environment for tornado formation.

Alberta’s tornado season is closely monitored by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which issues warnings and uses radar technology to track storms in real-time. Public awareness campaigns and preparedness plans have been instrumental in reducing injuries and fatalities from tornadoes since the Edmonton event.

Overall, while tornadoes are a natural risk in Alberta, advances in weather prediction and community preparedness have improved safety for residents across the province. Understanding Alberta's tornado history is essential for appreciating the power of nature and fostering resilience in the face of severe weather.

Title: Here She Rolls

Taken: June 27, 2025

Location: Beaumont, Alberta, Canada (South of Edmonton, Alberta)

Signs of A Tornado

Signs of a Tornado

Tornadoes can develop quickly and with little warning, so recognizing the signs early is critical for safety. Here are some common indicators that a tornado may be approaching:

• Dark, Greenish Sky: A dark, often greenish or bluish sky can signal severe weather conditions conducive to tornado formation. I remember seeing green skies in my life. I only saw it truly once but I won’t lie, it is eerie to witness. The air was thick, heavy, and so dense that everything on your body clung to you. The green clouds I remember were accompanied by light grey and bubbly clouds. I thought them interesting not knowing at the time what they meant. Now I do as family informed me of the warning, especially since they were around in 87 when Edmonton was hit.

• Large, Low-Lying Cloud: Look for a large, rotating, low-lying cloud, often called a funnel cloud, descending from the sky. Seen some of these but it was such weak rotation that nothing came of it.

• Wall Cloud: This is a lowering of the cloud base in a thunderstorm and can be a precursor to a tornado. I witnessed a few wall clouds in my lifetime. They are scary to witness and you get this sense of something is coming. When I saw one for the first time, it stretched from horizon to horizon. My aunty who has grown up around storms with capabilities of producing a funnel cloud or tornado became concerned. She informed me at the time that we had to keep our eye to the sky. All thought sky was not green, there was a possibility of something behind the wall cloud coming.

• Loud Roaring Noise: Tornadoes can produce a deep, continuous roar similar to a freight train.

• Hail or Heavy Rain Followed by Calm: Sometimes heavy precipitation may suddenly stop, creating eerie calm before a tornado hits.

• Debris Cloud: Even if you don’t see the funnel, a swirling cloud of debris at ground level is a strong sign.

• Strong, Shifting Winds: Sudden and intense wind shifts or increasing wind speeds can indicate an approaching tornado.

If you observe these signs, seek shelter immediately in a basement or an interior room without windows. Stay tuned to local weather broadcasts for updates and warnings.

Title: She Is Electric

Taken: June 27, 2025

Location: St Albert, Alberta

My Story

Last night when we were chasing this storm, it was an experience that I will never forget and got to share it with my friend. I also got to share some of my knowledge on clouds, storms, and when to spot signs of danger such as a Tornado. Before I continue, no we did not see signs of a tornado, funnels, or otherwise. Just some really intense rain, storm clouds, and some really good lightning.

I picked up my friend in St Albert, and we headed out East as we spotted a chain of storms developing that way. The skies were dark and intriguing. All of the East side of Alberta from where we were had something going on. We followed more towards Edmonton. Once we have gone down a couple roads and came up just North of Edmonton, we stopped.

“Which way?” I asked my friend Hanna.

“Follow your storm gut. Which way is it pulling you?” Is all my friend said to me. I surveyed the skies from South to North. My dial pointed South and not just because she was darker. There was a chain of storms developing and evolving along the southern side of Alberta heading into Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Manitoba and Saskatchewan to get the more brunt and severe parts of it but a storm can be and is unpredictable. We headed south down the backroads up through to Cooking Lake and further on. Once we saw the light show begin, we pulled over and observed, watched, and photographed the storm as she developed, raged, and changed before our eyes. Clouds were flat, light, then dark, and circular and full of layers. When we saw the layered clouds we made sure to keep a close eye on them but nothing came of them. Didn’t expect it as the heat was not there, the moisture was not present other than light rain, and the air was not heavy. It was cool to see them as these clouds were harmless Cumulonimbus clouds.

Once the light began to die, we decided to pack it up and start moving on. Least we wanted to be is on a backroad somewhere caught in the dark in a storm. Once we got our bearings, we discovered we were just outside of Beaumont. Figuring it was getting late we headed her home but ended up missing our turnoff once or twice because the clouds continued to change, develope, and be more and more intriguing. We decided to continue following them and see what develops. We ended up North of St. Albert on a backroad by power poles and silos in a farmers field. We stayed there yet close to another hour as the clouds were angry, dramatic, and had so much potential. Once the light was gone, we turned around and finally made our way home. It was not until this morning did we realize where we were on the southern side of Edmonton, that we were in a Severe Thunderstorm warning that had funnel cloud potential. We weren’t surprised due to the clouds we kept seeing. We cannot wait to do some more storm photography this summer and in the future. Until then, I shall bid you all goodnight. I’ll leave you with a couple of my faves from last night.

Tschuss!

Title: Will This Updraft Change?

Location: Beaumont, Alberta, Canada

Title: Follow Your Line

Location: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada

Title: Make Fake Free Clouds (This is Photoshopped for creative looks)

Location: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada