Storms hit Edmonton and central Alberta on Friday, with some areas still under threat from inclement weather

A storm system swept the Edmonton region and parts of central Alberta on Friday afternoon, resulting in gusts of wind, hail and heavy rains.

Environment Canada warned that there was a risk of hail and tornado. The meteorological agency said that the large hail, up to the size of a tennis ball, would be the main threat with violent thunderstorms, with a tornado risk near Edmonton and New Jersey. to the east of the city.

READ MORE: Severe summer weather causes more damage in Alberta than in other provinces: AMA

Edmonton was included in the "extreme risk" zone Global Edmonton meteorologist Jesse Beyer said:

"Take all warnings and watches seriously. If harsh weather conditions are announced, get ready and have a plan to keep your family safe, "added Beyer, adding that outdoor events like K-Days and Taste of Edmonton could be affected

. that visitors were encouraged to "seek shelter" at the Edmonton EXPO Center or at Northlands Park. The rides were closed because of the weather, but shortly after 5:30 pm, K-Days tweeted that his rides would soon run.

McKayla Chretien said that she was taking a turn at K-Days when the storm hit, leaving "It was raining … there was so much wind in my ears and I could not hear anything and my father sent us hail videos, so that made us more frightened because I thought the hail was going "

The Taste of Edmonton tweeted that the closing was scheduled for the evening

A stormy eve was issued at 10:30 am for a large part of central Alberta and east central Alberta, including Edmonton. Beyer was waiting for the worst time to appear between the middle and the end of the afternoon.

At approximately 3:30 pm, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in some parts of Alberta. For the most recent list of weather-monitored areas, click here

At 1627, Environment Canada issued a Severe Storm Warning for Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park. At 5:19 pm, this warning was demoted to a watch

Look below: A violent storm pbaded through the Edmonton area on Friday afternoon. Jesse Beyer got this update at 6pm. Friday

"More" The areas will not be affected, but the storms that form will be isolated and damaging, "said Beyer

.We expected that a low pressure system would form just south of # 39, Edmonton, which would be the target of thunderstorms.

READ MORE: A rain warning was issued for the west of Alberta, up to 100 mm of "extremely heavy" rain expected by Sunday

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop early in the afternoon along the foothills of the north. north-east throughout the afternoon and evening before weakening during the night.

One of the best ways to track dangerous driving local The conditions come from the reports of the local viewers. The hashtag #yegtraffic is often used by Twitter users who report traffic problems in Edmonton

If you can do it safely, share your weather photos with us via Global Edmonton Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can also post updates from your community using hashtags #yegwx and #abstorm .

Want your time on the road? Download the Global News Skytracker Weather app for iPhone, iPad and Android

See photos of Friday's storms in the gallery below:

Look below: Here is Mike Sobel's morning weather forecast for Friday, July 20, 2018, and the severe weather update in Edmonton, Alberta and in the vicinity

by Phil Heidenreich, Caley Ramsay and Emily Mertz