Category: Weather

Looks like the forecast is "shocking" for the Okotoks area tonight.

A Yellow Level Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of Foothills County, including the Okotoks area.

Environment Canada issued the Watch today, Aug. 17, at 12:20 p.m., due to favourable conditions for the development of severe thunderstorms.

Residents in the affected areas can expect severe thunderstorms to develop late this afternoon and continue into the evening, potentially producing strong wind gusts and large hail.

The Watch also includes areas near Priddis, Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, Diamond Valley, Longview, Eden Valley Reservoir, De Winton, Aldersyde, and Blackie.

Stormy weather didn't 'rain' on Okotoks residents for long.

A severe thunderstorm warning was briefly issued for the Okotoks area on Sunday night before being ended.

Environment Canada issued the yellow-level severe thunderstorm warning for Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton after a storm began moving southeast from Calgary.

At 10:07 p.m., the storm was located over the Glenmore Reservoir and moving southeast at approximately 35 km/h.

Residents were warned of potential damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and hail up to the size of quarters, with De Winton among the areas that could have been impacted.

However, the warning was ended just 35 minutes later at 10:42 p.m. after the severe thunderstorms associated with the alert weakened or moved out of the area.

It's a real pea-souper out there.

Residents of Okotoks and surrounding areas are being warned to exercise caution while driving due to dense fog in the region.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level fog advisory for Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Longview, Cayley, Blackie, and surrounding areas.

The dense fog is expected to persist until later this morning, with near-zero visibility possible in some locations.

Travel may be hazardous, and drivers are advised to allow extra time to reach their destination, turn on their lights, slow down, and maintain a safe following distance.

The advisory also affects areas south of Okotoks, including the M.D. of Willow Creek, Vulcan County, the M.D. of Ranchland, and the M.D. of Pincher Creek.

It's time for Okotoks residents to "weather the storm" and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Okotoks residents are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall overnight as Environment Canada issues a yellow rainfall warning for the area.

According to Environment Canada, an additional 30 to 60 mm of rain is expected by Friday morning, which may cause water to pool on roads and in low-lying areas, leading to potential travel delays.

The warning cautions residents that fast-moving and rapidly rising water can sweep vehicles away or damage infrastructure, and advises against driving through flooded roadways.

Drivers are also recommended to avoid low-lying areas and watch for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.

Residents can stay updated on the weather conditions through Environment Canada’s website.

With temperatures climbing, it is a good week to keep cool heads in the Foothills.

A heat warning remains in effect for Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton, with daytime highs expected to reach 30 C to 34 C this week.

Environment Canada says the hot conditions are expected to continue throughout the week across parts of Foothills County, Vulcan County, the M.D. of Willow Creek and Siksika Nation.

People in affected areas are advised to reduce heat risks by moving outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day when possible, taking regular breaks in cooled indoor spaces, and drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks.

Officials also remind drivers to check vehicles before leaving and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even briefly.

Environment Canada says residents should watch for signs of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can include high body temperature, confusion, fainting, unconsciousness and a lack of sweating.

People who may be more vulnerable in hot weather include infants, children, seniors, outdoor workers, people who are socially isolated, and those with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions.

The warning also applies to several nearby and regional areas, including Foothills County near High River and Aldersyde, Diamond Valley, Longview and Eden Valley, Cayley, Blackie, Priddis and Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, as well as communities in Vulcan County and the M.D. of Willow Creek.

heat warnings are issued when very high temperatures are expected to increase the risk of heat-related illness.