UPDATE: The Okanagan Valley is now under a severe thunderstorm warning; that status will change as the storm passes through the region. It is currently heading north towards Vernon.
After a scorching hot weekend with mainly clear skies and plenty of sunshine in the Okanagan, Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the valley including Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon. That means you could see some strong wind gusts and moderate hail with the risk of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening on Monday.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain” according to an Environment Canada statement sent out on Monday afternoon. “The main threat is a heavy downpour of 25mm/hour.”
Environment Canada reminds fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away.
“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Intense lightning is likely with any storm that develops. Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes. There isn’t a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.”
According to Environment Canada, lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.
Full weather details tonight on Global Okanagan News at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
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