Severe Storm Warnings
Photo: Dylan Combatti
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the North and South Okanagan.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the North and South Okanagan.
Meteorologists are monitoring severe thunderstorms, which they say could produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and lightning.
Lightning strikes were seen across the southern part of the country as a weather system that firefighters fear will spark a surge in fires begins to make its presence felt.
Environment Canada meteorologist Colin Fong said the focus over the next few days will be on the strength and frequency of dry lightning as dry conditions on the ground prepare for more wildfires in the region.
“That’s basically the big story this week,” Fong said of the threat of dry lightning in southern British Columbia that will last until Friday.
“Essentially what this means is that the surface is so dry that any rain that falls during a thunderstorm typically evaporates before hitting the ground,” he said Wednesday. “So it doesn’t really provide much relief in trying to saturate things, and lightning is pretty much going to be a major factor.”
As of 3:37 p.m. Wednesday, a thunderstorm near Denison-Bonneau Park southwest of Cherryville was moving northeast at 35 km/h, according to Environment Canada.
Areas along its route include Echo Lake Park and Highway 6 between Cherryville and Monashee Pass.
In the South Okanagan, a severe thunderstorm is located near Cawston and is moving northeast at 30 km/h.
Communities along its route include Keremeos and Coaston.
“Damage to roofs, fences, soft cover or trees is likely. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reduced visibility,” Environment Canada said in a press release.
“Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when an imminent or approaching thunderstorm is expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain.”
— with files from The Canadian Press