Severe hailstorm causes widespread crop and livestock losses in southeastern Alberta, Canada
A severe hailstorm struck southeastern Alberta, Canada, on August 20, 2025, producing wind gusts up to 150 km/h (93 mph), large hail, and widespread damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure.
Satellite image shows 300 km (180 miles) long hailstorm scar in Alberta, Canada on August 20, 2025. Credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, The Watchers. Acquired on August 25, 2025
A destructive supercell storm swept across southeastern Alberta on August 20, causing extensive agricultural and infrastructure damage.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reported wind gusts reaching 150 km/h (93 mph) at Atlee, 127 km/h (79 mph) at Lathom, and 113 km/h (70 mph) in Brooks. Hail measuring 28–45 mm (1.1–1.75 inches) in diameter was recorded across multiple communities, with isolated reports of stones up to 70 mm (2.75 inches).
The storm’s path extended over 300 km (180 miles), from Cayley and Milo through Brooks to the Saskatchewan border, as well as Camrose, Viking, Edberg, Sedgewick, and Hughenden.
Numerous power outages occurred in Newell and Vulcan counties, with Fortis Alberta confirming widespread disruptions. Highway 1 between Brooks and Bassano was temporarily closed due to collisions and downed power lines.
Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) confirmed extensive crop losses, noting that producers have 14 days to submit reports, with a minimum of 10% damage required per spot-loss area to qualify. “It is too early to know the full scope of the damage because clients are continuing to scout their damage and file claims,” said Yves Dooper, claims adjusting co-ordinator with AFSC.
A farm near Brooks, White Barn Fun Farm, reported severe structural damage and the loss of two animals, a camel and a pony, due to injuries sustained during the storm. Local reports also indicated widespread destruction of trees, fencing, and farm equipment in the area.
The storm resulted in significant hail damage to crops across southern Alberta, with producers in the affected areas now evaluating harvest impacts. ECCC and agricultural agencies are continuing to collect reports and damage assessments.
Southeastern Alberta is part of Hailstorm Alley, one of the most hail-prone regions in Canada, where severe convective storms frequently cause high agricultural and property losses.
The August 20 storm adds to a series of destructive hail events in recent years, including the Calgary hailstorm of 2024 and the record 123 mm (4.84 inches) hailstone documented in Alberta in 2022.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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