UPDATE: Southern Interior severe thunderstorm watch expanded

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Environment Canada has expanded its severe thunderstorm watch to include the South Thompson, North Thompson and Nicola regions, including the city of Kamloops.

The original watch issued early this morning, May 24, covered the Okanagan, Shuswap and Boundary regions, including Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Salmon Arm.

Forecasters say conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may be capable of producing large hail and heavy rain. The hail could be up to 15 millimetres in diameter.

A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop around noon as an upper disturbance moves through the region, meteorologists say, adding the main threat will be isolated heavy downpours of between 15 to 25 mm in just an hour.

The forecasters warn fast moving water from these kinds of downpours can sweep a car away, while large hail can damage property and even cause injury.

“Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches,” the severe thunderstorm watch states. “Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”

A system of severe thunderstorms moved through the Merritt and Cache Creek area late yesterday afternoon, May 23, causing flash floods, which damaged roads and flooded dozens of homes.

Environment Canada will upgrade the watch to a warning if severe thunderstorms are imminent.

For the very latest forecasts, watches or warnings check out Environment Canada's website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca or call 250-491-0331. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

— This story was updated at 10:14 a.m., Sunday, May 24, 2015 to say the severe thunderstorm watch had been expanced to include Thompson and Nicola regions.