Update: Calgary storm upends trees, causes traffic delays across city

Calgary’s downtown core was struck by a powerful lightning, rain, and hail storm on the evening of June 29, leaving some minor damage to parts of the Beltline.

Environment Canada issued a severe lightning warning in the evening, prior to the start of the storm which saw a core cloud dump that was more akin to a whiteout from a blizzard than late June weather.

The Calgary Fire Department said that between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., they responded to nearly three times as many calls than during the previous evening—120 calls versus 50 the night before during the same period of time.

“[We had] multiple calls for lightning strikes, flood assessments,  investigations, water issues, and other weather related calls. Thankfully no fires related to the lightning strikes.”

Across the Beltline tress were uprooted along 12 Avenue SW, including in front of the Ranchman’s Club at at Central Memorial Park.

The City of Calgary received 61 calls for 311 service during the evening, mostly they said, for water issues related to catch basins.

The Parks Department received 36 calls related to downed trees at city parks.

“Multiple calls for lightning strikes, flood assessments,  investigations, water issues, and other weather related calls. Thankfully no fires related to the lightning strikes,” said the City of Calgary.

“We are prioritizing our response based on risk assessment and have crews working throughout the city.”

Calgary Police closed off roads along Blackfoot Trail in Ogden due to flooding from the storm, and at 10 Street NW between 13 and 16 Avenue NW due to road damage from the storm.

Multiple other incidents along major routes caused temporary delays for drivers.

The City of Calgary has a number of resources available on the calgary.ca website for citizens to be prepared for, and to deal with emergencies.

Photos and video from the Calgary storm