Stormy Weather

A moist southerly flow moving across the Southern Interior is to blame for the storm battering the Okanagan Wednesday.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Okanagan, and meteorologist Doug Lundquist says there is the potential for severe thunderstorm activity.

"We have decent summer thunderstorms as we speak, but they're not of the severe variety yet. We're watching for the potential of severe thunderstorms," says Lundquist.

He says a severe thunderstorm could bring with it some nasty weather including heavy winds.

"If it does turn severe, we could have high gusts of 80 to 90 km/hour, some large hail, definitely heavy rain and lightning."

Lundquist expects much of the energy associated with the system will have decreased by Thursday morning.

"There's still a chance for thundershowers tomorrow, but it's today and this evening that is the most interesting in terms of severe weather."

He says the best thing to do is to take cover and ride it out.

"One thing we can do is try to avoid the lightning that is happening. Stay away from the lake and take cover. Try to get out of the path of the lightning."

Lundquist adds an umbrella isn't necessarily a good idea on a day like this because it can attract lightning.