Two tornadoes struck central Alberta on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage at Dillberry Lake Provincial Park and prompting an evacuation of the area. The storms resulted in injuries to several people, with three adults hospitalized, one in critical condition.
Dillberry Lake Provincial Park, located near the Saskatchewan border, was evacuated as the tornadoes toppled trees and overturned trailers at a campground. Campers were directed to relocate to the nearby village of Chauvin. Neil Loonen, assistant administrator for the Municipal District of Wainwright, reported that five individuals sustained injuries in total, while Vanessa Gomez, spokesperson for Acute Care Alberta, confirmed three adults were hospitalized for their injuries.
Chris Robinson, a camper at Dillberry Lake, described the sudden change in weather that preceded the tornado. He noted an initial emergency alert for a tornado in the region, followed hours later by rapidly darkening skies and continuous thunder despite clear conditions at their site. Robinson witnessed a large funnel cloud forming nearby and decided to leave the area with his family. As they approached the park’s main exit, the tornado touched down directly in front of them, accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and falling trees. After retreating to safety, they observed extensive damage to cabins and trailers before emergency responders arrived.
In addition to the tornado at Dillberry Lake, meteorologist Julien Corriveau of Environment Canada confirmed a second tornado touched down southwest of the village of Paradise Valley, although no damage had been reported from that event as of Thursday.
Local authorities responded swiftly, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) receiving emergency calls around 8:30 p.m. Sergeant Michael Miller said the campground had 42 occupied sites when the storm hit. A coordinated search and rescue operation involving police from several jurisdictions, including canine units and aerial support, ensured all campers were accounted for within six hours.
Municipal District of Wainwright Reeve Mike Wildeboer expressed relief that no lives were lost and extended sympathies to those affected. Alberta Parks has closed Dillberry Lake Provincial Park indefinitely to assess the extent of the damage. Area manager Katy Delves reported that a significant portion of the campground sustained damage, with many trees downed by the storms.
Alberta’s Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen, announced that all campground reservations were canceled and refunded. He urged the public to avoid the area while recovery crews continue their work and said updates regarding closures and reopening would be provided as available.
Weather officials cautioned that conditions remain favorable for further severe storms in parts of southern Alberta, including the Calgary to Medicine Hat corridor, as well as southwestern Saskatchewan. The Northern Tornadoes Project plans to send a team to investigate the twisters and assess their strength.