UPDATE:
At 1:06 p.m., a Fortis representative stated they are experiencing a number of outages throughout southern Alberta due to high winds in the area, including the communities of Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows and Tsuu T'ina Nation.
At the height of the wind storm, approximately 10,000 customers were without power, a FortisAlberta rep stated. As of 12 p.m., approximately 3,500 customers remained without power.
"We continue to work to restore power and crews have been mobilized where it is safe to do," read an email statement. "During our triage, we have discovered several poles down in the larger affected areas."
Affected ares that continue to experience power outages include Pincher Creek and areas surrounding Lethbridge, and west of Calgary including the areas of Bragg Creek, Tsuut'ina Nation, Morley, and Canmore.
Fortis representatives also stated several trees were discovered "on the line" in Bragg Creek and 943 customers are currently without power, with an estimated time of repair of 3:30 p.m.
"Our crews continue to work on restoration and we have mobilized crews from other areas of the province to assist," the statement continued. "We currently have a helicopter in the air to help with damage assessment.
"We have posted some images of the damage we are seeing on our Twitter feed."
For additional information, customers may refer to Fortis' outage map at https://service.fortisalberta.com/ or download their mobile app for updates to specific affected areas. In some cases, restoration may take longer due to collapsed poles and wires. Fortis asks customers who witness a downed pole or wire to use extreme caution and to stay at least 10 metres away and to call 310-WIRE (9473).
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY:
An ongoing power outage is currently underway in southwest Rocky View County, impacting the communities of Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, and the Tsuu T'ina Nation.
According to FortisAlberta's website, an unplanned power outage occurred in the area around 11 p.m. on Nov. 30.
While Fortis' map states the reason for the outage in Bragg Creek is unknown, the electricity provider's power outage map states the culprit in the Tsuu T'ina Nation's power outage was related to high winds. Fortis states restoration is currently in progress and the estimated time for power to return to Bragg Creek is 4 p.m. today.
The outage comes as the region is experiencing high winds of more than 130 kilometres an hour. A wind warning was issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for southern Alberta earlier today.
"Damaging westerly wind gusts approaching 140 km/h are occurring along the foothills," the wind warning states.
"Winds will begin to weaken this evening but remain gusty into Thursday."
The wind may cause damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, high winds may cause downed trees or toss loose objects.
"Drivers may lose control of their vehicles; tall vehicles are at risk of being overturned," the issue states, adding the agency encourages people to monitor for alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
"To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ABStorm," it stated.
The power outage in Bragg Creek is affecting 945 customers, according to FortisAlberta.
