Alberta county cleaning up after damage and debris left behind by tornado

Storm clouds build over a farmer's canola field near Cremona, Alta. on Friday, July 29, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

CLEARWATER COUNTY — A tornado that touched down in a west-central Alberta county Saturday downed trees, damaged homes and did not leave anyone injured.

Clearwater County said in a social media post that the twister caused significant damage in some areas at around 6:30 p.m., including in the Town of Rocky Mountain House. The county said it also blocked roads and crews are cleaning up.

“Residents are asked to avoid affected areas, use caution on roadways, and stay clear of downed trees and power lines,” the county said.

Alberta’s minister of forestry and parks said the government was working with local partners to address the damage.

“We have heard loud and clear that residents are concerned about the impact of downed trees on and around their properties,” Todd Loewen said. “Alberta’s government ... will have more details to share after damage assessments are completed.”

Alberta is seeing unusually wet and stormy summer weather, which has created conditions ripe for tornadoes.

Environment Canada has said that 25 tornadoes have been recorded across the province this year as of last week, which is about 10 more than Alberta and Saskatchewan usually see combined each year.

The agency has said Edmonton was hammered by record-breaking rain in June and is on its way to having another record-setting month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2026.

The Canadian Press