Clean-up starts after destructive wind storm whips through Alberta
Posted Sep 11, 2012 8:10 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A state of emergency remains in effect in Hanna, Alberta, 215 kilometres northeast of Calgary, following a violent storm Monday afternoon.
The Director of Disaster Services for the town of 3,000 tells 660News they hope to have a better handle on damage a little later Tuesday, as crews fan out.
Adrian Mohl says they’re thankful no serious injuries were reported as the storm tore the roofs off a couple of buildings, toppled trees and plunged the community into darkness.
A state of emergency that was declared in Lethbridge County has since been lifted, allowing 2,200 Coalhurst residents to return to their homes after being forced out last night.
People in Milk River were not as fortunate, having to spend the night away from home, relying on the Red Cross for shelter and food.
Wind speeds in parts of the province topped 100 km/h Monday afternoon, as a massive cold front moved from the southwest to the northeast.
In Calgary, fire crews dealt with about 60 emergency calls. That’s on top of 150 the day before again because of a howling wind.
Most of the damage in Calgary is a result of snapped tree branches and trunks.
Paramedics were also called to a job site in the Crowfoot Area in the Northwest after a worker was hurt, struck in the head by blowing debris.
He’s listed in serious but stable condition in hospital.
660News Meteorologist David Spence says the wind won’t be blowing as strongly today, but reminds people fall and winter are traditionally more windy that the spring and summer.
