A massive thunderstorm with high winds hit southeastern Alberta on Monday, causing downed power lines and uprooted trees while houses and businesses sustained substantial damage..An unconfirmed tornado passed near Highway three in Cypress County, according to the Redcliff RCMP media release..The Alberta Emergency Alert system initially said a tornado happened near Highways 1 and 523, but later revised the alert to a “storm with dangerous and damaging wind.”.Residents went to their basements and under their cars during the violent storm for safety..Medicine Hat officials said this storm was the worst storm in several years..“Everyone is a little bit different, but it’s safe to say that this time there is more damage in the county than in the city,” said Merrick Brown, the Medicine Hat director of Emergency Management..Power outages included Medicine Hat, Redcliff, and Cypress County from the powerful winds, with over 7,000 residences affected..The CHAT television station could not do an evening newscast due to no power at the station..Medicine Hat officials gave an update on Tuesday afternoon that only about 100 houses had not had their power restored..Hydro crews are restoring electricity as soon as possible..Officials said that the Medicine Hat Regional Airport and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital had to use backup power, but electricity was restored to both facilities. .“Crews are expecting to discover broken poles and infrastructure for days to come,” said the city of Medicine Hat in a release on Tuesday..Some roads have live power lines and remain closed..Three families in Cypress County required housing because of the loss of their houses, according to county officials..The damage in Cypress County to electrical and residential areas is substantial..Medicine Hatt officials said the Town of Redcliff, City of Lethbridge, Cypress County, Fortis Alberta, Altalink, Alberta Health Services, and private companies are working together to restore services and assess the damages..“We are extremely grateful that there were no injuries or loss of life during this weather event,” said Ramona Robins in a release, Medicine Hat’s deputy mayor and counsellor. .“We have deep appreciation for all of the city crews and community partners who have worked tirelessly to restore power and keep the city safe.”
