Tornado watch in effect for Two Hills and Vermilion area

A tornado watch is in effect for the Two Hills and Vermilion areas, Environment Canada said on Tuesday afternoon.

Issued at just after 3:00pm, the weather service said conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible.

The tornado watch is in effect for the following areas:

• Beaver Co. near Viking and Kinsella
• City of Lloydminster Alb.
• Co. of Minburn near Innisfree Lavoy and Ranfurly
• Co. of Minburn near Minburn and Mannville
• Co. of Two Hills near Myrnam and Derwent
• Co. of Two Hills near Two Hills and Brosseau
• Co. of Vermilion River near Dewberry and Clandonald
• Co. of Vermilion River near Islay and McNabb Sanctuary
• Co. of Vermilion River near Kitscoty and Marwayne
• Co. of Vermilion River near Paradise Valley
• Co. of Vermilion River near Tulliby Lake
• Co. of Vermilion River near Vermilion
• Flagstaff Co. near Alliance and Bellshill Lake
• Flagstaff Co. near Killam and Sedgewick
• Flagstaff Co. near Lougheed and Hardisty
• M.D. of Provost near Czar Metiskow and Cadogan
• M.D. of Provost near Hughenden Amisk and Kessler
• M.D. of Provost near Provost and Hayter
• M.D. of Wainwright near Chauvin Dillberry Lake and Roros
• M.D. of Wainwright near Edgerton and Koroluk Landslide
• M.D. of Wainwright near Irma
• M.D. of Wainwright near Wainwright

A tornado warning has been issued for Flagstaff Co. near Alliance and Bellshill Lake.

No alerts are currently in place for the Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul, and Lac La Biche region.

Environment Canada said residents in these areas should be prepared for severe weather and should take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions:

• Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
• Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can.
• As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.