Severe thunderstorm watch cancelled for Thompson-Okanagan

Photo: Cecelia Louis-Ralston

Lightning strike near Keremeos in July 2021

UPDATE: 6:02 p.m.

Environment Canada has now cancelled the severe thunderstorm watch issued for the Southern Interior.

The watch was in place for the Okanagan, South Thompson, Nicola, Boundary and Similkameen on Friday and was put down just before 6 p.m.

"Conditions are no longer favourable for the development of severe thunderstorm," said Environment Canada.

ORIGINAL: 10:15 a.m.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for a large part of the Southern Interior.

The watch is in place for the Okanagan, South Thompson, Nicola, Boundary and Similkameen.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain,” said Environment Canada.

Hail and strong wind gusts are also possible. Residents are advised to be alert to the possibility of flash floods and pooling water on roads during heavy downpours.

Environment Canada says it issues severe thunderstorm watches when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

Photo: Environment Canada