British Columbia

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for the B.C. Interior

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several parts of the B.C. Interior including the Cariboo, the Okanagan Valley and the west Kootenays.

Environment Canada says potential exists for isolated heavy downpours that could lead to more flash flooding

Dark clouds are shown with a darkened tree beneath.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the B.C. Interior including the Cariboo, the Okanagan Valley and the west Kootenays. (Craig Paisley/CBC)

Latest

  • Boundary downgraded from warning back to a watch at 2:45 p.m. PT

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several parts of the B.C. Interior including the Cariboo, the Okanagan Valley and the west Kootenays.

The weather service says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing large hail and heavy rain.

"A line of thunderstorms will develop near noon as an upper disturbance moves over the region.

The main threat will be isolated heavy downpours giving 15 to 25 mm of rain within one hour as well as hail with diameters of up to 15 mm," it said in a bulletin.

The warning is in effect for the following areas: 
Environment Canada map showing the areas in which a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Sunday, May 24, 2015. (Environment Canada)
  • Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake         
  • Boundary
  • Nicola         
  • North Thompson         
  • Okanagan Valley         
  • Prince George         
  • Shuswap         
  • South Thompson

A watch is upgraded to a warning when severe thunderstorms are imminent. For the latest information go to:

Fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away. Large hail can damage property and cause injury.

The weather service says if threatening weather approaches, take cover immediately.  

To report severe weather to Environment Canada, send an email to pacificstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #BCStorm.