After days of warm, sunny weather in central Alberta, a big change in the forecast is expected starting Thursday evening.
“This is a strengthening low pressure system moving out of British Columbia,” explained Global Edmonton meteorologist Tina Simpkin.
As the low progresses through the province, Simpkin says periods of “heavy rain, possible hail, lightning and high wind gusts” will be likely for central Alberta.
A number of severe thunderstorm watches and warnings from Environment Canada were issued for the active weather expected Thursday evening south and west of Edmonton.
READ MORE: Hail and thunderstorms possible in southern Alberta Thursday evening
The weather agency also warned of heavy rainfall accumulations of 50-60 millimetres for areas west and northwest of Edmonton by the time the system tapers off late Friday.
“Some embedded thunderstorms may boost local amounts to over 80 mm,” according to the rainfall warning.
With any heavy rain event, Environment Canada warns of “flash flooding and water pooling on roads,” along with “possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”
A full list of up-to-the-minute weather watches and warnings from Environment Canada can be found online.
WATCH: Edmonton early morning weather forecast for Thursday June 8, 2017
After seeing late-night thunderstorms in Edmonton Thursday, Simpkin says Friday’s forecast will include “periods of heavy rain with a risk of a thunderstorm.”
As the system moves east, Simpkin says the wet and stormy weather will continue, with potential for the development of non-supercell funnel clouds “east of Edmonton to Lloydminster, north up to Cold Lake and as far south as Coronation.”
While still threatening, non-supercell funnel clouds tend to produce weak tornadoes compared to the more organized and potent supercell variety.
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