UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms possible in Kamloops, Shuswap, Okanagan today

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued today for the South Thompson, Shuswap, North and Central Okanagan regions.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms today, July 12.

The watch includes the cities of Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon and Kelowna.

Along with intense lightning, the weather office is warning the storms could be packing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

Those heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on road.

“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,” according to the weather watch.

For the latest on the severe thunderstorm watch, go to Environment Canada’s weather information page here.

— This story was updated to say the watch was expanded to the Shuswap, and North and Central Okanagan.

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