FLOOD WATCH 2017 UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm watch for Okanagan ended

UPDATE: 5:31 a.m. May 12: Environment Canada has also now ended the special weather statement for the Thompson, Nicola and Okanagan Valleys.

UPDATE: 5:44 p.m. May 11: Environment Canada has ended the severe thunderstorm watch. 

KELOWNA – A severe thunderstorm is likely on its way to the Okanagan Valley, adding to the already high flood risk.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Okanagan Valley and nearby regions to the south and east starting this morning, May 11. The watch is in effect for the Central, North and South Okanagan, including Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon, along with the Boundary, Slocan Lake, Arrow Lakes and West Kootenay areas.

The watch warns the thunderstorm may bring strong winds, large hail and heavy rains. Between 15 and 25 mm of rain is likely over much of the region. Some areas may see more depending on the thunderstorm.

A statement from Environment Canada also warns that the thunderstorms combined with the snow melt “will lead to rising river levels and may increase the risk of flooding.”

Fast flowing water, creek and river banks could all be unsafe and washouts should not be approached.

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