Alberta storm damage assessment underway in Medicine Hat area

Just one day after a major storm left damage to homes and vehicles in the Medicine Hat area, many remain without power.

At one point, several thousand customers had lost power as a result of the storm, though progress has been made.

According to the city, service has been restored to most of Redcliff. However, as of Monday evening, about 1,900 customers were still off the grid in the Medicine Hat, Redcliff, and Cypress County area.

The storm, which earlier reports from agencies and municipalities categorized as a tornado, hit the Cypress County area Monday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

It resulted not only in home and vehicle damage, but also to critical infrastructure, such as power cables and poles.

“There is a broken cable that is partially submerged in the South Saskatchewan River which may present a hazard for those using the river for recreational purposes as it could damage boats and other watercraft,” the City of Medicine Hat said in its update Monday.

The city says damage assessment will continue over the coming days, adding some work cannot be done in the night due to safety concerns.

Read more: 

• Major storm in Cypress County near Medicine Hat leaves homes, cars damaged

• Alberta tornado severely damages homes southeast of Sundre on wild weather day

Anyone travelling through the affected areas is urged to take extra care and to expect road closures, traffic light issues, and debris on roadways and sidewalks.

People are reminded to keep at least 10 metres away from all downed power lines or poles and to call 9-1-1 to report them.

Repairs are expected to take several days, the city adds.