UPDATE: All watches and warnings ended

UPDATE: 9 a.m. August 5, 2013

Environment Canada has ended all watches and warnings for the Thompson-Okanagan.

UPDATE: 5:20 p.m. August 4, 2013

Environment Canada has ended the severe thunderstorm warning for the Shuswap.

The severe thunderstorms have weakened or moved out of the area.

3:46 p.m. August 4, 2013

SALMON ARM – Meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms just north of Salmon Arm and Sicamous.

They are capable of producing heavy downpours, large hail, strong wind gusts and intense lightning.

The thunderstorms are moving slowly in a southeasterly direction.

Boaters near the southern sections of the Shuswap Lake should beware of sudden strong gusty winds from these storms. Communities in the path include: Southern sections of Shuswap Lake, Sicamous, Canoe and Salmon Arm.

Here’s the advice from Environment Canada: Take cover, if threatening weather approaches. Strong wind gusts and hail can damage property and cause injuries.

Local downpours can cause flash floods. Avoid driving through water on roads. Even shallow fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away.

In Canada, lightning kills up to 10 people every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.

A thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the rest of the Thompson-Okanagan region.