Thunderstorm Watch issued for Vernon, Warning for Kelowna

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Vernon and the North Okanagan.

The weather agency issued the watch at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, May 18, stating “conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing large hail and torrential rain.”

It also warned the thunderstorm could produce strong, damaging winds, and added heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Meanwhile, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Kelowna and the Central Okanagan by Environment Canada.

The Warning, issued at 2:51 p.m. Thursday, said a thunderstorm located five kilometres east of Kelowna along Highway 33 is moving into the region.

It was noted the strom “is very slow moving resulting in heavy downpours” adding the rain can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. The heavy rain could also reduce visibility for drivers and motorists are advised to turn on their lights and maintain safe following distances.

The weather agency also noted the storm rolling into Kelowna could produce strong wind justs and “up to nickle size hail.”

For both the Watch and the Warning, Environment Canada advises “when the thunder roars, go indoors!”

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s most recent statistics from 2021, on average two to three people in Canada are killed by lightning strikes and another 80 people are injured each year. The majority of these incidents occur between June and August.