Severe thunderstorms forecasted for Okanagan, Interior

Lightning could be flashing above numerous Okanagan communities Monday, including Vernon.

Environment Canada issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch June 17, as conditions could pose a risk of thunderstorms developing over the Okanagan Valley.

“Severe thunderstorm watches are issued 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,” Environment Canada’s website stated.

The weather agency advises people get indoors “when the thunder roars” as lightning strikes can be deadly, and also warns that large hail can damage property and cause injury.

Along with the North, Central and South Okanagan, the weather statement was issued for the South Thompson, West Columbia, Nicola, Boundary, East Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, and Arrow Lakes areas.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued at 10:17 a.m. Monday. It did not state how long the weather statement would remain in place or when the system would be moving out of the area.

At last update, Environment Canada had thunderstorms in its forecast for Monday and Tuesday, June 17 and 18, before becoming sunny Wednesday.