UPDATE: Thunderstorm watch lifted, heavy rain still expected

UPDATE: 5:50 p.m. Friday, May 5

Environment Canada has lifted its Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Vernon and the Okanagan.

The watch was lifted as conditions are no longer favourable for the development of thunderstorms in the region.

Though thunderstorms are no longer in the forecast, heavy rain is still expected.

The weather agency stated Friday morning that between 5 and 20 mm of rain is expected to fall before ending Saturday night.

The rain is expected to exacerbate snowmelt activities, and could result in further flooding events and mudslides.

People are advised to monitor the B.C. River Forecast Centre for flood and stream flow updates and Environment Canada for weather forecasts.

— Original Story —

Environment Canada has issued two weather alerts for Vernon.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued just after 10 a.m. Friday, May 5, and a few minutes later a special weather statement was issued for heavy rain.

The weather agency warns conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which could lead to heavy downpours.

Environment Canada stated 5 to 10 mm of rain is expected overnight Friday, which could escalate flooding situations and mudslides in the area

“Showers at times heavy will develop [Friday] as the first of multiple systems arrives,” read the weather agency’s statement.

“By [Friday] afternoon, showers will intensify with embedded thunderstorms further increasing precipitation amounts.”

Along with the rain, the storm could lead to increased snowmelt, which elevates the risk of flash floods, creeks, streams and rivers breaching the bank, and water pooling on roads.

B.C. River Forecast Centre placed the Okanagan on a Flood Watch status Thursday, May 4, which warns that river levels in the area are rising or expected to rise rapidly, and while no major flooding is expected, properties and areas adjacent to rivers, creeks and streams are at risk of experience minor flooding events.

The exception to the region’s Flood Watch is Whiteman Creek at Parker Cove on the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve, where a Flood Warning is in place.

Additionally, the thunderstorm may lead to lightning strikes, and area residents are advised to stay safe indoors during the storm.

The public is advised to check the B.C. River Forecast Centre for updates on flood risks and to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

The worst of the storm is expected to pass by Sunday, May 7.

Residents wanting to protect their properties from flooding events can fill sandbags at sites established at the Public Works Yards in Vernon and Enderby, at the Pat Duke Arena in Lumby, and at the Silver Creek and Falkland Fire Halls.