A severe thunderstorm rolled in across parts of the province on July 16 leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
Around 5:30 p.m., the areas surrounding Wetaskiwin and Millet saw heavy rain, strong winds and hail. The storm, which tracked through Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Leduc, Beaumont and Edmonton, left many areas without power after poles were knocked down.
Environment Canada also issued a tornado watch for the region. There have been reports of a possible touchdown near Millet, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Along with the power outages, crops were found damaged in the region and there were multiple reports of flooding and other property damage.
We have partially restored power to Wetaskiwin county, Leduc County, and Millet. Outage cause was a tornado in the area. We’re working as safely as possible to restore power to our customers still without. @LeducCounty @wetaskiwincity #abstorm
— FortisAlberta (@FortisAlberta) July 17, 2020
In Millet, that meant damage to the roofs of homes, missing sheds and damaged fences.
Along 45 Ave., there were trees completely uprooted or snapped in half, while some homes were impacted in the community after trees were blown over into them.
There was also significant damage to the Millet Agriplex sign, with pieces scattered down the street among other storm debris.
The majority of trees down on the main road going to 616 in Millet #abstorm #Millet pic.twitter.com/uUmnAJeFg1
— Ciara (@CiaraMatter) July 17, 2020
The Town of Millet has released a statement thanking the residents for banding together to help each other during the storm and after during cleanup. The town has also designated an area of the Agriplex parking lot for branches to be dropped off.
The winds were so strong, they ripped the roof off of the town's water reservoir. A town official said the water supply is not comprised, just the building itself. #abstorm @GlobalEdmonton pic.twitter.com/rzG7ZOK5XH
— Eric Beck (@GlobalBeck) July 17, 2020
Meanwhile, rural areas saw reports of barns and silos being impacted and one dairy barn west of Millet having to be evacuated due to the roof having been severely damaged.
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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