Severe thunderstorm watch issued

NEWS/ WEATHER — Severe thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours and localized flooding in the South Thompson, Nicola and Okanagan areas this afternoon (Monday).

Environment Canada issued the watch notices this morning, saying conditions are favourable for the “development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain.”

The storms hit parts of B.C. southwest interior by this afternoon. Some of the thunderstorms could produce downpours of 15 to 20 mm per hour, enviro Canada’s storm watch centre said.

Hail and strong wind gusts are also possible.

“Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches,” said Environment Canada.

The thunderstorm watch includes Kamloops. The general forecast in Kamloops today is mainly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers or thunderstorms and risk of a severe thunderstorm.

Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required. Residents are being advised to monitor local media or Weatheradio. To report severe weather, send an email to pacificstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #BCStorm.

A two-hour thunderstorm in Cache Creek on the weekend caused severe flash floods that resulted in a declaration of a state of emergency and evacuation of many homes.