Photo: A downed tower near Brooks. Yahoo News (Credit: Sean McKay)

A powerful supercell thunderstorm swept across southeastern Alberta, Aug. 20, striking the area near Brooks with ferocious force. It brought down transmission towers and power lines, caused widespread damage to homes, and cleaved trees through the trunk. Energy providers confirmed widespread outages in nearby counties as a result.

The rapid storm also left its mark on the roads. Highway 1 between Brooks and Bassano was shut down due to collisions and fallen lines. Trees were flattened, irrigation equipment battered, and debris littered roadways.

Environment and transportation agencies reported extreme wind gusts across the region, with speeds reaching 149 km/h in Atlee, 127 km/h in Lathom, and about 121 km/h in both Buffalo and Brooks. The force of the winds, combined with hail as large as golf balls, contributed to widespread damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture.

Southern and central Alberta, often referred to as “Hailstorm Alley,” frequently experiences intense hail and wind events. This includes major hailstorms that have hit Calgary in recent years, such as a 2024 event generating damages exceeding $2.8 billion.

Residents of Brooks have been surveying damage—clearing debris, grappling with power disruptions, and beginning the process of recovery. Utility crews have been dispatched promptly to restore power and clear passageways.

Among the wreckage were split trees and bent or toppled power infrastructure. Driveways and agricultural equipment—including irrigation pivots—suffered damages, underscoring the storm’s impact on both urban and rural spaces.

Historically, Alberta’s hailstorms have imposed heavy financial tolls and recurring disruption. Instances such as the tennis-ball-sized hailstorm in Calgary in 2020, massive hail events in 2012 and 2017, and the staggering losses in 2024 demonstrate an ongoing trend of destructive weather across the region.