Wind gusts in Calgary send debris flying, uproot trees, down power lines
Posted Oct 17, 2017 09:52:47 PM.
Last Updated Oct 18, 2017 05:52:23 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Emergency crews in Calgary had their hands full with wind-related calls on Tuesday.
Power lines were down, traffic signals were out at some intersections, several trees were uprooted, and some homes were damaged.
At the height of the windstorm, ENMAX reported six thousand customers had lost power.
Tom Sampson, Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, said Calgary’s 911 system was overwhelmed.
“If you require emergency assistance, we’re encouraging people to call 911,” he said. “When you do call 911, please stay on the line. We’ve been having some folks hang up due to the high call volume, and that doesn’t help us track your emergency.”
Falling glass from a building prompted police to close Stephen Avenue between 2 Street and 3 Street SW.