Photo: Brittany Kalesnikoff
A storm, seen from Peachland, moves up the Okanagan Valley on Monday.
UPDATE 19.05 h
The electrical storm moving through the Okanagan is now headed for Vernon and the North Okanagan.
Environment Canada has updated its severe thunderstorm warning to include the North Okanagan.
The warning was issued shortly before 7 p.m
“The severe storm is located over Kelowna and is moving north. Communities in the path include Pixie Beach, Cedar Grove, Vernon,” the statement said.
UPDATE 6:15 p.m
Environment Canada has now issued a storm warning for the central Okanagan.
“As of 6:06 pm PDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe electrical storm capable of producing strong wind gusts, pea- to dime-sized hail and heavy rain,” the advisory said .
“The severe storm is located near Peachland and is moving north at 35 km/h. Communities in the path include Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Wilson Landing.”
The weather bureau has now lifted the storm warning for Penticton, although a watch is in place.
Photo: Environment Canada
A storm is moving north through the Okanagan Valley
UPDATE 5:50 p.m
Environment Canada has upgraded its severe thunderstorm watch to a warning.
This means that a storm is imminent.
“As of 5:30 pm PDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe electrical storm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, nickel-sized hail and heavy rain,” the advisory said.
“The severe storm is located near Okanagan Falls and is moving northwest at 35 km/h. Communities in the path include Kaleden, Penticton, Summerland and Naramata.”
There are currently no other storm warnings in the Okanagan.
ORIGINAL 4.15 p.m
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Penticton and the South Okanagan.
“Conditions are favorable for the development of strong storms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” says the warning, issued at 3.55pm on Monday.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions appear likely to develop thunderstorms that could produce large hail, damaging winds, torrential rain, or any combination of these events.
“Be prepared for severe weather. Protect yourself immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go home!” says the notice.