VANCOUVER — Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for large sections of central Alberta and parts of B.C., saying hail, damaging winds and torrential rainfall are possible.
The forecaster says people should stay indoors as heavy downpours can cause flash floods, and that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.
It says a thunderstorm between Grande Cache and Fox Creek, Alta., is moving 30 kilometres an hour to the east, and is capable of producing hail the size of a nickel.
It says another line of storms from Edmonton to west of Calgary is moving 50 kilometres per hour to the east.
The weather office says people near those thunderstorms should take cover immediately.
Severe thunderstorm watches have also been issued for much of central Alberta, as well as for the B.C. regions of Prince George and Kootenay Lake.
Environment Canada says severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes, and warns strong wind gusts can cause damage to buildings, down trees and blow vehicles off the road.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2024.
The Canadian Press
