Agencies have confirmed that two separate tornadoes touched down in the Rocky area during the July 18 severe weather event.

The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), says both tornadoes are classified as EF2 — meaning each had wind speeds in excess of 190 km/h.

Dr. Dave Sills, director of the Northern Tornadoes Project, says the two tornadoes briefly occurred simultaneously, causing a combined path of damage about 20 kilometres long.

Following the event, NTP completed a ground and drone survey on July 20, estimating the tornadoes had a maximum track length of 10.6 kilometres and a maximum path width of 600 metres.

During the survey, Sills says the team was surprised to discover the weather event included not one, but two tornadoes.

“One of the storm chasers actually caught the end of the first tornado and the beginning of the second on video,” says Sills, adding that analysis of the data and other video footage led to the determination.

Sills says the fact there were two tornadoes made explaining their paths much less complex than if there had been only one.

The first tornado developed southwest of Rocky Mountain House and tracked to the southern limits of the town. Damage to several properties, including homes, barns, outbuildings, garages, vehicles and trees, was reported.

The second tornado developed east of Rocky Mountain House and tracked eastward before dissipating northwest of Leslieville.

Damage to several properties, including homes, barns, outbuildings and trees, was reported. No injuries were reported, though two animals were injured.

According to NTP, the most severe damage occurred just east of Rocky Mountain House. While some damage occurred on the southeast edge of town, much of the destruction was in rural Clearwater County.

Full details on NTP’s survey of the tornadoes’ path can be found here.

Officials say the survey results, including the tornado’s strength rating, are preliminary and may change as more information becomes available.

Founded in 2017, the Northern Tornadoes Project tracks and analyzes tornadoes across Canada.

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RELATED

• Reaction pours in from July 18 tornado in west Central Alberta, no injuries reported
• Cleanup underway in Rocky Mountain House following July 18 tornado

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County issues warning

With thunderstorm watches possible in the coming days, Clearwater County is warning that trees weakened by the tornadoes may be unstable and could fall without warning, especially during high winds.

Residents are asked to avoid active cleanup areas whenever possible to help reduce traffic congestion and allow county crews and partner agencies to work safely and efficiently.

County crews have begun cleanup operations along the tornadoes’ path, starting with Highway 598 between Taimi and Oras roads before moving to other affected areas.

Clearwater County Reeve Jordon Northcott said initial assessments identified damage to more than 50 properties, with some structures completely destroyed.

In its preliminary assessment, Clearwater County said 51 properties sustained damage, including eight homes believed to be uninhabitable. However, no injuries have been reported and no residents have been displaced.

The county is collecting additional information to determine the full extent of the damage and assess eligibility for potential provincial disaster assistance programs.

Clearwater County’s damage survey is available here.

For storm debris disposal, officials say small loads can be taken to any transfer station, while large loads should be taken to the regional landfill. Residents are asked to separate construction waste from vegetation and tree debris.