Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Okanagan

Environment Canada is warning Similkameen, Okanagan and Boundary residents to watch out for thunderstorms this afternoon.

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain," according to a thunderstorm watch issued by the agency this morning, Aug. 12.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop late this afternoon and will likely continue throughout the night.

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"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 Environment Canada.

To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

For the latest on storm watches and warnings, go to Environment Canada's public weather alert page here.

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