Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Lloydminster, warning weather conditions are favourable for funnel clouds today.
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The weather agency says conditions will remain favourable until early Thursday evening as rapidly growing clouds and weak thunderstorms create mild atmospheric rotation.
While these funnel clouds generally do not pose a threat near the ground, Environment Canada warned that the rotation can intensify into a weak landspout tornado.
Landspout tornadoes do not typically cause severe damage, but they can still pose a hazard. They can generate enough force to topple trees, damage roofs, and toss debris short distances.
Environment Canada advises residents to take any funnel cloud sightings seriously and prepare to take shelter immediately if one develops nearby, as they often form with little to no advance warning.
Official watches or warnings will be issued if conditions become more favourable for landspout tornadoes to develop.
Severe weather can be reported directly to Environment Canada by emailing AB*****@***gc.ca, calling 1-800-239-0484, or posting on social media using the hashtag #ABStorm.
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