Rocky Mountain House Begins Major Cleanup After Severe Storm Damage

Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County shifted from warning to cleanup after a tornado touched down in the area Saturday evening, leaving downed trees, debris, hazards and damaged homes and buildings across the affected area.

Despite the damage, no injuries were reported in Rocky Mountain House or Clearwater County after the tornado, a point officials stressed as crews moved into recovery work.

Tornado warnings spread quickly

Tornado warnings began around 5:20 p.m. as a severe thunderstorm moved through the region. The warnings later expanded to nearby municipalities as the storm continued across the area.

One Environment Canada warning quoted by CBC called it “a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.”

The Northern Tornadoes Project later confirmed at least one tornado near Rocky Mountain House, according to reporting from Lethbridge News Now and CBC.

Damage and debris across area

The storm left downed trees, debris and other hazards across the affected area. Homes and buildings were damaged in Clearwater County, while crews worked to clear debris, restore access and deal with immediate safety concerns.

Officials urged residents to avoid affected areas, use caution on roads and stay clear of downed trees and power lines.

According to Central Alberta Online, Rocky Mountain House Mayor Shane Boniface said damage within town was relatively limited compared with the broader impact in Clearwater County. The outlet reported Boniface said the tornado damaged trees and a handful of businesses, but no buildings were lost.

“The town of Rocky Mountain House was spared the worst of the storm,” Boniface told Central Alberta Online. “No buildings were lost.”

Central Alberta Online reported the mayor described damage in town as including blown-over trees, siding damage and roofing damage to several businesses.

Clearwater County hit harder

Boniface told Central Alberta Online that Clearwater County experienced the greater impact from the storm, with homes and buildings damaged there. Across both Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County, officials reported no injuries.

That absence of reported injuries shaped much of the early public messaging, even as cleanup crews faced fallen trees, debris and safety hazards.

Emergency crews and public works staff continued working to clear debris, restore access and address immediate dangers. Officials asked residents to give crews space and avoid downed trees and power lines.

Cleanup focuses on safety

According to Central Alberta Online, Rocky Mountain House scheduled contractors to begin removing downed municipal trees and debris on Monday. The outlet reported that 42 Avenue east of 42 Street would remain closed while hazardous trees were removed.

Central Alberta Online also reported the town opened the Giant Truck & Car Wash snow dump site for tree and wood debris from the storm.

The town asked motorists to use caution around work zones as cleanup continued, according to the outlet.

Province offers support

Provincial officials said Alberta was in contact with local authorities and would provide support if needed.

Boniface told Central Alberta Online he heard quickly from provincial officials after the storm.

“I can say knowing that we had help available if needed certainly made the situation less stressful,” he said.

Jason Nixon also thanked those involved in the response, according to source reporting.

“We will continue working closely with local municipalities and emergency officials to ensure they have the resources and support they need in the days and weeks ahead,” Nixon said.

For residents, the message from officials remained straightforward: stay away from affected areas, avoid downed trees and power lines, and let crews continue the work of making the area safe.

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