Severe Thunderstorms Cause Damage at Calgary International Airport and Surrounding Areas
Severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Calgary and the surrounding regions, causing significant damage to the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and prompting emergency alerts from Environment Canada. The storms, characterized by heavy rainfall and large hail, led to flash flooding and property damage, impacting both the airport's operations and the local community.
The Calgary International Airport took to social media to confirm the extent of the damage, stating, "We can confirm there has been damage to YYC's terminal building due to hail and heavy rainfall." Passengers reported chaotic scenes as they were stranded on planes for hours due to the storm's intensity. One passenger recounted, "We were on our plane, and a hailstorm came in. It was like da da da—it was loud. We sat on our plane for like 3 hours, and then they booted us off. The roof's caving in here, so it's getting wild."
Emergency Alerts and Safety Measures
Environment Canada issued multiple emergency alerts for thunderstorms in south-central Alberta, describing the weather event as a "very dangerous storm." Meteorologists closely tracked the storm's progress, noting its severe impact on Calgary and nearby areas. Social media was abuzz with reports of flash flooding and significant hail damage, with some residents sharing images and videos of the destruction.
The airport emphasized that their primary concern is the safety of all guests and staff. They are currently in the process of assessing the damage and its impact on airport operations. "Our priority is the safety of all guests and staff and clearing the impacted areas," the airport's statement read.
Community and Infrastructure Affected
The severe weather also caused widespread damage to properties in the affected areas. Residents took to social media to confirm the extent of the flash flooding and hail, sharing their experiences and the challenges they faced due to the storm. The local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate recovery efforts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of emergency preparedness. Residents and travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels and heed any further warnings from Environment Canada.
As Calgary and the surrounding regions recover from the impact of these severe thunderstorms, the community's resilience and the efforts of emergency services are crucial. The Calgary International Airport and local authorities continue to prioritize safety and recovery, ensuring that normal operations and daily life can resume as swiftly as possible.