COQHIHALLA – If you're out and about today, Aug. 10, be careful. Mother Nature may be ready to unleash an impressive storm.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Coquihalla Highway and the Okanagan Connector, from Merritt to Kelowna and all the areas below, including the Okanagan, Thompson, Nicola and Boundary.

"An approaching upper-level disturbance will bring conditions favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening," reads the alert. "These thunderstorms are capable of producing frequent lightning, gusty winds and rainfall rates of 15 to 25 millimetres an hour."

Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

For further road conditions go to www.drivebc.ca.

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