UPDATE – May 4, 11 a.m.: Severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for Metro Vancouver. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to start around 6 p.m. PT tonight. In Metro Vancouver, the thunderstorms may not start until about 9 or 10 p.m.
Much of southern British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, may see thunderstorms on Thursday.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region, stating thunderstorms with heavy downpours are possible Thursday night.
“A warm, humid southerly flow of air over the south coast Thursday will combine with an approaching Pacific cold front to create favourable conditions for thunderstorm development over much of the Lower Mainland, late Thursday,” Environment Canada said in a news release.
The weather authority says heavy rain combined with spring snow melt could lead to rising river levels and possible flooding. It adds localized heavy downpours is the main threat from these storms.
The following regions are including in the special weather statement:
- Whistler
- Howe Sound
- Metro Vancouver
- Fraser Valley
- Fraser Canyon
- South Thompson
- Nicola
- Similkameen
- 100 Mile
Top 10 things you need to know about lightning:
- You don’t need a direct hit to be hurt or killed by lightning. Only three to five per cent of lightning-related injuries are caused by a direct hit. Lightning can hurt or kill people by travelling through the ground, by side flashes, by contact with another object or by upward leaders.
- When thunder roars go indoors. Counting between a lightning strike and the sound of its thunder is an old wive’s tale. Anytime you can hear thunder, you are at risk of being hit by lightning.
- Stay in your car. A metal-roofed car with the windows up and rubber tires can help keep you safe.
- Stay away from tall objects and unsafe buildings. If you are caught outdoors, stay away from trees, poles, fences, tents, covered porches and sheds.
- Keep your feet together and stay as low as possible. If you don’t have proper shelter available, stand with your feet together, in a crouch position. Do not lie on the ground.
- Water conducts electricity. Stay away from swimming pools, ponds and baths. If you are out boating, get to shore immediately.
- Telephones, electrical equipment and plumbing could put you at risk. All of these items can conduct electricity. Avoid handling them during thunderstorms. Use battery powered equipment.
- Stay inside for 30 minutes after a thunderstorm. The majority of people are struck by lightning either before or after a thunderstorm, rather than during.
- Use Environment Canada’s Lightning Danger Map for up-to-the-minute lightning hazard. If you see a red dot over your area, head indoors.