Much of the East Kootenay is now under a severe thunderstorm watch, as per an alert issued by Environment Canada this morning (Friday, August 9).

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain in the Cranbrook/Kimberley area and Elk Valley.

“Hail is also possible. Strong wind gusts are also possible. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors,” Environment Canada’s watch notes.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

The thunderstorm alert does not include the Columbia Valley or Kootenay National Park.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

e-KNOW

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