Environment Canada meteorologists issued a critical tornado warning for east central Alberta on Wednesday evening after a tornado began tracking near Paradise Valley.
The extreme weather alert was broadcast at 7:23 p. m.
, urging local residents to seek immediate shelter as severe thunderstorms swept across massive sections of the province.
"This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado," read the alert.
According to meteorologists from Environment Canada, the storm system shifted toward the east shortly after its initial formation, expanding its impact into regions along the Saskatchewan border.
An extreme tornado warning remains active for the Municipal District of Wainwright and the Municipal District of Provost, which is located roughly 200 kilometers southeast of Edmonton.
Surrounding regions are currently experiencing severe thunderstorm alerts, with Environment Canada advising that the tracking system could bring damaging winds, large hail, and localized torrential downpours.
