Severe storm pounds Brooks with hail, wind, power outages

A powerful thunderstorm tore through Brooks and surrounding communities Wednesday evening (Aug. 20), bringing damaging winds, heavy rain and large hail.

Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning, with some areas reporting hail as big as golf balls to baseballs.

The storm knocked out power to thousands of FortisAlberta customers and forced road closures, including Highway 36 at Highway 1 because of downed lines and disabled vehicles.

RCMP urged drivers to use detours, while residents shared photos of shattered windows and damaged vehicles.

No injuries have been reported.