While summer is typically a season for enjoying the outdoors, Cochrane storm chaser Braydon Morisseau says the weather doesn’t always cooperate, especially in July.
“If the environment is there for these storms, they’ll form anywhere and anytime,” said Morisseau, founder of Prairie Storm Chasers (PSC). “I know a lot of people think because we're in a valley that we're safe from storms, but that’s not the case.”
Morisseau and his team have been tracking severe storms across the Prairies since 2011, focusing on supercell thunderstorms, rotating systems that can generate hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
He explains these storms often form when moisture rises from the surface into the atmosphere, typically peaking in severity during July.
“All that rain Alberta has seen recently has set the stage for a big uptick in severe weather,” he said.
So far, PSC has recorded only one tornado in Alberta this season, west of Drayton Valley on July 2. This is well below the province’s average of 10 to 15 tornadoes per year. Most recent activity followed by the group has been concentrated in Saskatchewan and the U.S. Tornado Alley, but Morisseau warns that conditions remain ripe in Alberta.
“There have been storm days, but not necessarily tornadoes,” he said. “That could change quickly.”
On July 18, Morisseau issued an early warning via Facebook ahead of the Bow Valley Boot Stomp in Cochrane. He had been tracking a developing supercell three days before the event.
“Knowing there was an event in town, we wanted to relay that information to help keep people safe,” he said.
That same storm eventually moved east, weakening near Strathmore before redeveloping in Saskatchewan, where it spawned multiple tornadoes.
Morisseau emphasizes the importance of reliable weather information and public awareness. He encourages residents to monitor trusted sources like Environment Canada, and utilize social media responsibly.
“If you’re in a safe place and can post a photo with a time, location, and hashtag #ABStorm, it’s a huge help,” he said. “Environment Canada monitors those posts to issue warnings.”
PSC also urges people not to park under overpasses when caught in storms, which is an illegal action.
“It’s actually one of the most dangerous places to be,” he explained. “If a tornado forms, wind shifts and debris can be deadly. Plus, it blocks others from escaping to safety.”
For Morisseau, chasing storms isn’t just about adrenaline, it’s about public safety.
“That’s why we’re out there,” he said. “We use our passion to keep people informed, and help issue warnings when severe weather strikes.”
See related article: Cochrane storm chaser heading south for tornado season
