A severe and damaging storm ripped through South Eastern and South Central Alberta Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued warnings for the area throughout the afternoon tracking a fast-moving supercell capable of causing severe damage.
Alberta weather specialist Brandon Houck says the storm produced damaging hail and high wind speeds.
There were several reports of damaged property, vehicles, trees, and a downed power line that trapped a family in their vehicle under a live wire.
According to power provider FortisAlberta, multiple power outages occurred in Newell and Vulcan counties due to downed and damaged power lines.
Alberta 511 reported that Highway 1 was closed Wednesday night between Brooks and Bassano due to multiple collisions and downed power lines. AltaLink crews were called to the highway that evening after strong winds also crumbled transmission towers. As of Thursday afternoon, Highway 1 eastbound at Highway 36, northwest of Brooks, remained closed due to power line damage in the area. A detour is in place, while westbound traffic is moving very slowly.
Residents in Patricia have also been placed under a boil water advisory. The County of Newell Facebook page posted: “Due to the storm last night, please be advised that a boil water advisory is in effect until further notice. We will post when it’s lifted.”
Environment Canada reported no tornadoes, but wind gusts were recorded as high as 149 km/h in Atlee, 127 km/h in Lathom, and 121 km/h in both Buffalo and Brooks.
Picture provided by Sarah Gurr, resident of Duchess.
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