Wicked weather produces hail the size of golf and tennis balls
Posted Jul 31, 2016 7:15 am.
Last Updated Jul 31, 2016 8:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Cleanup is underway following a destructive thunderstorm that rumbled across many parts of Southern Alberta.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Chris Wielki tells 660 NEWS, they received reports of tennis ball sized hail in Bottrel, which is about 65 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
The storm also produced wind gusts topping 100 kilometres an hour.
In Calgary, there are reports of hail the size of quarters and even larger in some cases.
The storm caused localized flooding and also dislodged a number of manhole covers.
Traffic was snarled in and out of the city with drivers seeking cover by pulling over at underpasses and bridges.
The hailstorm also cracked the windshield of an Air Canada plane, forcing the flight en route from Toronto to make an emergency landing in Lethbridge.
An airline spokesperson says the pilot followed standard operating procedures when the hailstones as large as ping pong balls cracked the windshield in several places. The Airbus landed in Lethbridge normally and without issue.”
Air Canada arranged for ground transportation to take the passengers the 210 kilometres back to Calgary International Airport, which was also forced to ground a number of flights during the storm that lasted about 90 minutes.
Despite the intense storm, which busted many vehicle windshields and shredded some siding and trees, there were no reports of any injuries.
More destructive weather could develop Sunday, so Environment Canada is urging people to keep an eye on the sky and to listen to the radio for weather watches and warnings.
