Thunderstorms could move into Vancouver Island Thursday afternoon, with one wave of thunderstorms hitting Vancouver Island earlier in the day.
Environment Canada meteorologist Jennifer Koval says storms are “blooming off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.”
“It hasn’t crossed the island yet, but it’s getting closer to the island,” Koval said.
There were thunderstorms earlier Thursday between Tofino and the Jordan River, with more thunderstorms expected further inland this afternoon and evening.
For most of the island the risk of thunderstorms will end on Thursday evening, but in the North Island the risk will remain until Friday evening.
Heavy rain will also be present along with thunder and lightning, but Koval notes that hail and high winds are not expected factors in this storm.
With lightning comes the risk of wildfires.
“We’re starting from a place of drought at the moment. So even if there’s rain, we’re still in high bushfire risk mode,” she said.
“So even if there was heavy rain with a thunderstorm, it could immediately stop whatever it started. If there’s not enough rain in the region, or if the rain doesn’t exactly coincide with the thunderstorm, you’re still at risk of starting a wildfire with any lightning at this time of year.”
Thunderstorms with lightning are less common on Vancouver Island, so Koval has a few safety reminders for those less familiar.
“When it thunders, go inside,” she said.
“If you hear thunder or see lightning, we simply suggest that you go indoors, wherever you are exercising, and wait 30 minutes until the last strike until you return outside.”
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