Alberta is a crazy place with even crazier weather. Yesterday, parts of the province, including YYC saw something that, until today, we didn’t think was even possible. Not only did Calgarians catch a glimpse of a freaking meteor Monday morning, but we also got hit with a rare Thundersnow storm. Talk about a coincidence…
Now, to anyone who didn’t witness it for themselves, Thundersnow must sound like nothing more than an 80s hair metal band – but let us assure you, it was very real. It was honesty also kind of terrifying, but don’t just take our word for it, see it for yourself!
Like with… well, literally everything, Mother Nature’s tantrum was documented best by the folks on Twitter, so let’s take a walk down memory lane with the blue team, shall we?
It all started with yesterday morning’s Alberta winter storm warning. We’ve seen these a million times before, so of course, nobody really thought much of it.
WINTER STORM WARNING from Environment Canada: https://t.co/roM50LLlGs #abstorm #yyc #Calgary pic.twitter.com/G3A2iiHstZ
— CTV – David Spence (@CTVdavidspence) February 22, 2021
… until a lightning strike was reported in East Coulee…
A lightning strike has been detected near East Coulee, AB, CA (51.27, -112.52) at 5:59 AM. #abstorm https://t.co/guB5ypTddR pic.twitter.com/QVv4Y9PHGd — Brandon Houck (@HouckisPokisewx) February 22, 2021
Soon after that, things got a little bit wild for the prairie province.
Time to go chasing #abstorm #Brooks pic.twitter.com/40gUFTQVxC
— Brandon Houck (@HouckisPokisewx) February 22, 2021
Lightning caught on security cam near Red Deer sent by Carmen Winter #abstorm pic.twitter.com/cacoBxEJI5 — Brandon Houck (@HouckisPokisewx) February 22, 2021
160+km #chinook winds in #Kananaskis valley yesterday sent this #avalanche back up the cliff it was rolling off of #abstorm #ShareYourWeather #February2021 pic.twitter.com/efUOZkWJxh
— Tom Graham (@Washed_Up) February 23, 2021
And the thundersnow storm had made its way to Calgary
Enjoying the thunder in mid-February… #yyc #abstorm — Layne Douglas (@baseball_layne) February 23, 2021
Just got lightning and rain in Bowness #yycweather #abstorm
— GordDawg – Masked up Ferda! (@GordDawg) February 23, 2021
We have the first lighting strike of the year!!! #abstorm #yyc pic.twitter.com/C3mOMXF2ko — T.L. Carmody (@trishcarm) February 23, 2021
It’s flowing off the roof like water #abstorm pic.twitter.com/SCrCUfGj4N
— Brad (@castleofllyr) February 23, 2021
Well then West Central #yyc 9:15pm #abstorm pic.twitter.com/Ar8enmUonq — George K. (@Kolowrocki) February 23, 2021
Graupel! #abstorm #yycweather pic.twitter.com/TCx6065JlT
— Jenna Malcolm (@jmalgirmation) February 23, 2021
Thunder snow!!!! #abstorm pic.twitter.com/A2nmEudiU0 — Storm Chasing Cat (@cgystormcat) February 23, 2021
Caught some snow lightning just now #abstorm pic.twitter.com/eDI0wGyn3p
— Krys Stewart (@KrysonCJAY) February 23, 2021
#abstorm #yyc pic.twitter.com/eREXbfLTeA — katriana (@Sheknow81535453) February 23, 2021
That was crazy bright and loud. #yyc pic.twitter.com/1IIzafBePd
— yycmomoftwo (@dluft27) February 23, 2021
Eventually, things did die down, but we took quite the ride to get there.
The roads and roofs were almost clear of snow 1/2 an hour ago! #abstorm #snow #yyc #calgary pic.twitter.com/OwaCg9HtDw — Jonathan Lee Scholes (@Jonleescholes) February 23, 2021
Yep, folks. Yesterday was a big one for us. We shook, we ogled, we were in awe… and we were reminded that the MN is always in charge. We hope that you stayed safe, were smart and that you know the difference between ‘lightening’ and ‘lightning.’ Until next time!
After last night, now seems to be a good time for a reminder that “lightning” is NOT spelled with an “e”. #yyc #yycwx #yycweather #Calgaryweather #childbirth #abstorm pic.twitter.com/Gqx1S8f0PU
— CTV – David Spence (@CTVdavidspence) February 23, 2021
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