Tornado watch briefly issued after waterspout sighted near Vancouver airport
Environment Canada issued a rare tornado watch for Metro Vancouver and the Howe Sound region Saturday evening.
It came as video posted on social media showed an apparent funnel cloud over the water near Vancouver International Airport.
In an email to CTV News Vancouver, a YVR spokesperson said a "weather event" near the airport caused aircraft to be directed into a holding pattern Saturday evening "out of an abundance of caution."
"All aircraft landed safely and airport operations were not affected," the spokesperson said.
Environment Canada's statement referenced the phenomenon, referring to it as a "waterspout" moving north toward West Vancouver and the mouth of Howe Sound, including Bowen Island.
"Current indications are that it is weakening but the atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of waterspouts or weak funnel clouds over the next few hours," the weather agency said. "This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation."
Environment Canada warned residents to "be prepared for severe weather" and "take cover immediately" if threatening weather approaches.
If a tornado is approaching, the agency's advice is to go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows. That could mean a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet, Environment Canada said.
"Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can," the agency said. "As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris."
The tornado watch was issued at 5:30 p.m., but it lasted less than an hour. By 6:20, it had been removed from the public alerts section on the Environment Canada website.
There is still a special weather statement in effect for several coastal regions of B.C., but it pertains to high winds expected Monday night, and does not mention any tornado risk.
i
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.