First AB tornado of 2024 near Airdrie
The first Alberta tornado recorded in 2024 occurred near Airdrie on the afternoon of April 29th. A witness recorded a video of the tornado as it developed beneath a rapidly developing storm cell. Given the parent storm was an isolated, non-rotating storm, the tornado was of the landspout variety. The event summary is provided below, as well as the eyewitness video, a map, and images showing the radar near the time of the tornado. You can plot the tornado on the NTP Dashboard here.
Thanks to MSC's PASPC for pointing out the video report.
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Event Name: Kathyrn, AB
Date: April 29, 2024
Start Time: 4:25 PM MDT (2225 UTC)
Final Classification: Tornado (Over Land)
Preliminary EF-Scale Rating: EF0-Default
Estimated Tornado Location: 51.26N, 113.71W
Description: Witness captured video of a tornado near Kathyrn (east of Airdrie). No damage has been reported. The preliminary EF-Scale assessment is EF0-Default. Satellite imagery review is pending.
Video capture of landspout tornado showing developing storm above. Video by Steve Brundige (used with permission).
Video capture of landspout tornado slightly later and zoomed in somewhat. Video by Steve Brundige (used with permission).
Map showing the approximate location of the observed tornado at Kathyrn, AB.
Radar image showing the strong cells that developed at Kathyrn, east of Airdrie, shortly after the tornado was recorded on video. Landspout tornadoes typically develop in the intense growth phase of a developing thunderstorm, so at the time of the tornado there was little precipitation detected by radar - as shown in the next image.
Radar image at the time of the tornado at Kathyrn, east of Airdrie, showing very little precipitation in the area at that time as the storm cells began to grow rapidly.
