Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Alberta communities

CALGARY- Southern Alberta residents are being warned to brace for a major storm.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for a number of Alberta communities including:

• Brooks, Strathmore, Vulcan
• Cardston, Fort Macleod, Magrath
• Cypress Hills Provincial Park
• Hanna, Coronation, Oyen
• Lethbridge, Taber, Milk River
• Medicine Hat, Bow Island, Suffield
• Okotoks, High River, Claresholm

Forecasters say it could hit late Wednesday afternoon, and could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.