Central Okanagan under ‘severe thunderstorm watch’

The smoke has drifted in and the stormy weather could follow.

Environment Canada (EC) has issued a “severe thunderstorm watch” for the Central Okanagan this afternoon.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and torrential rain,” the alert says.

The potential for stormy weather wasn’t unexpected, as it has been in the forecast all day.

Currently, EC is predicting a 60% chance of precipitation and northwesterly winds at 20 km/h to go with a risk of thunderstorms all afternoon.

The storm risk will stick around until around midnight, but the chance of rain decreases to 30% around 6 pm and the wind is expected to calm around 9 pm.

“Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road,” the alert adds. “Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.”

EC is warning the public that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year, and to head indoors if you hear thunder roar.