Seven landspout tornadoes spotted in Alberta over May long
Posted May 20, 2026 9:08 am.
Last Updated May 20, 2026 9:10 am.
Alberta’s tornado season kicked off with seven landspouts over the May long weekend, according to a tornado watch agency.
The Northern Tornados Project (NTP) reports they happened in Crestomere and Didsbury on May 17 from 5-7 p.m., and in Garfield, Gull Lake, and Blackfalds on May 18 between 12:50 and 5:15 p.m. Olds saw a pair on both days.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), which confirmed the landspout tornadoes, says they were generated by weak rotation under “rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.”
“Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous as they can topple trees, damage roofs, or toss debris a short distance,” an alert read.
The NTP says one is still being investigated, and that there was no reported damage.
All were reported via video footage, and several photos were shared on social media.
In the meantime, the ECCC says thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday afternoon, with a 60 per cent chance of showers going into the night.
Anyone with information regarding these events, or to report severe weather at any time, can call the ECCC at 1-800-239-0484, email storm@ec.gc.ca, or post to #abstorm on social media.
