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Alberta's First Tornado of 2025 Touches Down Near Rolling Hills
Canada's first confirmed tornado of 2025 surprised southern Alberta on Saturday, April 12th, forming 10 kilometers northwest of the small hamlet of Rolling Hills. While initially met with surprise given the lingering snow and cold weather in the region, the brief EF-0 landspout tornado caused no reported damage, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
A Rare Spring Surprise
The landspout, captured in photos and videos by local residents including Bantry Seed Farms, formed around 5:20 PM MDT. Meteorologist Kevin Stanfield of 660 NewsRadio explained that these tornadoes, unlike their more destructive supercell counterparts, form under rapidly growing clouds in less intense storm conditions. He described the event as "pretty out of character for Mother Nature," emphasizing the unusual occurrence of a tornado amidst cold weather and minimal convective available potential energy (CAPE).
Landspouts: Weak but Not Harmless
While classified as an EF-0, meaning it caused minimal damage (mostly kicking up dust), Stanfield clarified that landspouts are not entirely harmless. They can still topple trees, damage roofs, or throw debris. The tornado's formation amidst cold weather and snow serves as a powerful reminder of spring weather's unpredictable nature. This event contrasts the earlier start to the 2024 tornado season, where Ontario saw its earliest recorded tornado in March.
What Makes a Landspout?
The specific conditions leading to the Rolling Hills landspout included very cool air aloft combined with surface heating, creating ideal conditions for the formation of these unique weather phenomena. The unusual juxtaposition of cold weather and a tornado highlights the complexity of Alberta's weather patterns, particularly the interplay of air masses and topography. The area, while prone to interesting weather, is much more likely to experience snowfall at this time of year.
Looking Ahead
Although Alberta's first tornado of 2025 was a relatively weak landspout, it's a reminder that severe weather can strike unexpectedly. While more snow than tornadoes are expected in the coming days, meteorologists are closely monitoring weather patterns for potential future severe weather events. This unusual event has certainly sparked conversations about weather preparedness in the region.
