Severe thunderstorm watch for Okanagan

OKANAGAN – We could get a repeat of last night’s lightning show in the Okanagan.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Okanagan, including Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton.

Conditions are favourable today, May 5, for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain, the watch states.

The forecast in the Okanagan is calling for 10 to 20 millimetres of rain today with a high of 19 Celsius. There will still be a risk of a thunderstorm this evening but the rain will turn to a chance of showers overnight.

People need to be aware that heavy downpours can cause flash flooding and pooling water on roads, the watch says.

Meanwhile, Environment Canada has also issued a special weather statement for the Shuswap, including Salmon Arm, about the risk of flooding.

Heavy rain from the thundershowers today combined the spring snow melt will lead to rising river and creek levels and there is a risk of flooding, the statement says. The shower and thundershowers will gradually dissipate overnight.

Last night the region was hit with severe thunderstorms that, along with the lightning show, dumped buckets of rain which is causing flooding and flooding risks today.

In West Kelowna, Gellatly Road was closed as water from Powers Creeks was pushed over its banks.

For the latest watches, warning and forecasts check out the Environment Canada website.

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