Suspected tornado destroys multiple homes west of Olds

No injuries have been reported after a suspected tornado damaged or destroyed between six and nine homes about 13 kilometres west of Olds on Thursday afternoon.

RCMP media relations Cpl. Gina Slaney said the worst of the damage happened on Township Road 320 between Range Roads 44 and 45.

She said RCMP members from multiple detachments, including Airdrie, Olds, Sundre and Didsbury were called to the scene.

“They were going house to house to do a head count, and everyone was accounted for,” said Slaney.

Postmedia spoke with one neighbour from the area who asked his name not be used. He was driving by when he saw the damage and stopped to see if help was needed.

“Everyone is safe and sound,” he said. “A lot of neighbours gathering together and giving them a hand.”

Environment Canada issued multiple tornado warnings and watches throughout the afternoon across southern Alberta, including for Calgary.

Funnel clouds and at least two tornadoes were spotted in the Sundre area. Photos posted on Twitter showed a funnel cloud and possible tornado near Bergen, about five kilometres south of Sundre, around 3 p.m.

In the event of a tornado, Environment Canada advises people to immediately take shelter if they hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, flying debris or any threatening weather approaching. Taking shelter involves moving to a strong building if possible and going to the lowest floor while staying away from outside walls and windows.

As a last resort, Environment Canada advises lying in a low spot and protecting one's head from flying debris.