The Calgary Fire Department has been busy responding to numerous wind-related incidents in the past two days due to strong gusts causing chaos for some businesses in the city. Within the last 24 hours, fire crews have dealt with over 225 emergency calls, with a significant portion of them being linked to the windy conditions, according to a statement from the department.
Reports have included instances of property damage, downed power lines, and fallen trees. Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the Calgary area on Friday morning, cautioning that northwest winds reaching 60 km/h could gust up to 90 km/h.
Meteorologist Brian Proctor from Environment Canada noted that the Calgary area is currently experiencing the strongest winds compared to all three Prairie provinces. He highlighted the unusual strength of the gusts, given the cold temperatures and prolonged windy conditions.
Proctor mentioned that many individuals are feeling fatigued by the continuous wind, expressing hope for a gradual decrease in its intensity. The effects of the wind are also being felt by several businesses and events in the city.
Due to the high wind speeds, organizers of the Calgary Expo announced the cancellation of the Parade of Wonders, moving the event kickoff to the BMO Centre’s front steps instead. Despite the parade being called off, the festivities will continue as planned.
Daniel Fexa, owner of a gym club, recounted receiving an early morning call on Friday reporting that a retail sign had been blown onto a customer’s car by the wind. Fexa expressed relief that no one was injured but noted the chaos caused by the wind knocking over blue bins in his neighborhood.
Concerns over building debris arose on Thursday evening when extreme gusts led to falling debris, resulting in a downtown area closure. Calgary police reported metal paneling from a Plus 15 structure falling onto Second Avenue S.W., prompting emergency crews to take action.
Specialized technical teams were deployed to clear the debris, necessitating the closure of a section between Third and Fourth streets. Furthermore, reports emerged of loose construction materials being blown off buildings in the northwest.
Since 2011, construction sites five storeys or taller in downtown and the Beltline have been mandated to have an advanced weather forecasting system to anticipate severe wind events and prevent hazardous material dispersal. No injuries have been recorded from these incidents.
Despite the windy conditions, commercial airlines at the Calgary International Airport have not encountered any flight disruptions. Environment Canada forecasts a weakening of the winds by the afternoon, with a further decrease expected overnight.