Record-Breaking Windstorm in Alberta: January 2021
In January 2021, Alberta experienced one of the most powerful windstorms in its recorded history.
On January 13, a massive weather system brought hurricane-like gusts across southern Alberta, shattering long-standing records in multiple locations and causing widespread damage.
Strongest Winds Ever Recorded in Alberta
The peak wind speed of this event was measured in Taber, Alberta, where a personal weather station recorded an astonishing gust of 145 km/h. This made it one of the strongest wind speeds ever observed in the province.
Other notable wind speeds from this event include:
- Barnwell: 137 km/h
- Onefour: 122 km/h
- Blood Tribe: 119 km/h
- Fincastle: 115 km/h
- Bow Island: 113 km/h (tied its all-time record)
- Milk River: 111 km/h
- Coronation: 111 km/h
- Consort: 111 km/h
The Impact of the Windstorm
This extreme windstorm caused significant damage throughout southern Alberta. The powerful gusts resulted in:
- Downed trees and power lines, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.
- Structural damage to homes, buildings, and fences.
- Dangerous driving conditions, with high winds making it difficult to control vehicles on open highways.
Communities like Lethbridge, Taber, and Barnwell were among the hardest hit, with cleanup efforts continuing for days after the storm passed.
A Record-Breaking Weather Event
This windstorm is notable for not only its peak gusts but also the number of records broken across the region. Several communities set new all-time wind speed records, demonstrating the intensity of the event.
The cause of these extreme winds was attributed to an Alberta Clipper, a fast-moving low-pressure system typical of the Prairies during winter months. However, the strength of this particular storm was extraordinary.
The January 2021 windstorm serves as a reminder of the power of Alberta’s natural elements. While it caused considerable disruption, it also provided valuable data for meteorologists studying extreme weather events in the province.
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