Warning for severe thunderstorm issued for parts of southern Alberta

It was a wild afternoon in the Calgary area, with hail, swirling clouds and high wind, and the severe thunderstorm warnings in multiple areas in southern Alberta. 

Environment Canada said the storm system had the potential for producing very strong wind gusts, up to golf-ball size hail and heavy rain.

Calgarians caught some wild storm photos and video, and have been sharing them on social media.

The communities of Brooks, Strathmore and Vulcan, along with Drumheller, Calgary and Three Hills were under tornado watch earlier in the afternoon.

There were several reports of funnel cloud sightings in the city.

Const. Chris Martin with the Calgary Police Service took to Twitter to admonish drivers for "dangerous and selfish behaviour." He said when people cluster under bridges, it clogs the road and strands others in severe weather.

It also blocks the path of first responders and creates a collision risk, he wrote.

A police spokesperson added in an email that drivers who choose to stop should exit main roadways and park in a safe location, such as a side street or parking lot. 

As of about 9 p.m. Thursday evening, only Hanna, Coronation and Oyen had thunderstorm warnings issued and Lloydminster, Wainwright, Vermilion and Provost were on watch for thunderstorms.