Severe thunderstorm watch

June 4, 2014 Lightning gallery

Photo: Contributed - Meldon Lutzer

Photo: Contributed - Justin Hampson

Photo: Contributed - Marina Parsons

Photo: Contributed - Aimee Kayleigh Schmidt

Photo: Contributed - Jeanine Friesen

Photo: Contributed - Jessica Macfarlane

Photo: Contributed - Kathryn Parkhill

Photo: Contributed - Sam LeBlanc

Photo: Contributed - Lynella Henke

Photo: Contributed - Lee Hamilton

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Environment Canada has issued a 'Severe thunderstorm watch' for the entire Okanagan Valley. 

The release states that "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain."

The watch is in effect fo the Central Okanagan - including Kelowna, the North Okanagan - including Vernon and the South Okanagan - including Penticton.

Severe thunderstorm conditions are possible starting Thursday afternoon and into the evening.

"The main threat with these storms will be heavy downpours with rainfall amounts of up to 15 mm per hour," states Environment Canada. "Hail and strong wind gusts are also possible and intense lightning is likely with any storm that develops."

The severity of the possible storm is prompting Environment Canada to issue additional warnings, most notably 'When thunder roars, go indoors." 

They are asking Okanagan residents to be prepared for severe weather and take cover immediately when threatening weather approaches. 

In Canada, lightning kills up to 10 people every year.

You can email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet pics to @castanetnews with the hashtag #BCStorm.