Severe thunderstorm watch for Okanagan

It’s expected to be a wet Saturday afternoon in the North and Central Okanagan.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch which says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain.

“An upper low-pressure system moving into southern BC today will lead to increasing instability this afternoon. Isolated thunderstorm development is already evident. The threat of isolated heavy downpours delivering upwards of 15 mm of rain over a short period of time will exist this afternoon,” said the weather agency.

Environment Canad added the heavy rain is of particular concern for dry belt regions as heavy downpours can cause localized flooding, especially near sloping terrain.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”

Residents are advised to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.