Environment Canada alerts Grande Prairie and Wembley to funnel cloud potential
Environment Canada issued a funnel cloud advisory for the Grande Prairie region on Thursday afternoon, warning that atmospheric conditions were favourable for the development of funnel clouds in the Grande Prairie and Wembley areas as of 5:39 p.m. MDT on Aug. 13.
The agency advised the unsettled conditions were expected to persist into the early evening. Forecasters said funnel clouds can form beneath rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms and — although the rotation is usually weak at first — there is a chance it could strengthen into a weak landspout tornado.
“take any funnel cloud sighting seriously and be prepared to seek shelter if one develops nearby,”
The advisory stressed that while landspout tornadoes typically do not cause significant damage, they can still be dangerous and may be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs and toss debris short distances. Residents were urged to monitor weather updates and be prepared to act with little or no warning.
What residents should know and do
This is a short-lived but potentially hazardous weather pattern. Local households, farms and small businesses should consider basic precautions until the threat passes:
- Keep an eye on the sky for rapidly forming funnel clouds beneath towering cumulus or weak thunderstorms.
- If you see a funnel cloud or a rapidly rotating column of air, seek sturdy shelter immediately — basements or interior rooms away from windows are best.
- Secure loose outdoor items where possible to reduce flying debris risk.
- Continue to monitor Environment Canada alerts and local forecasts for any escalation to watches or warnings.
Environment Canada reminded the public that severe weather reports can be submitted by email, phone or social media using the hashtag #ABStorm. If conditions become more favourable for landspout development, additional watches or warnings may be issued.
Advisory details
| Area | Issued | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Grande Prairie and Wembley | 5:39 p.m. MDT, Aug. 13 | Funnel clouds; possible weak landspout tornado |
This advisory is focused on rapid developments within local storm cells rather than large-scale severe thunderstorms. That means these events can appear and dissipate quickly; residents should not rely on long lead times for a warning. The unpredictable nature of funnel clouds and landspouts is why Environment Canada emphasised readiness and vigilance.
For Grande Prairie, a community with a mix of urban residential neighbourhoods and surrounding rural properties, even a short-lived landspout can present hazards. Downed trees and damaged roofing material can impede roadways and local services; tossed debris can pose direct risk to people caught outdoors.
Local emergency management and municipal services typically monitor such advisories. Residents should follow official channels for updates and avoid sharing unverified reports that could complicate public understanding during a fast-changing weather event.
Stay informed through Environment Canada and local media until the advisory is lifted.
