UPDATE (9:15 p.m.): The severe thunderstorm watch for the Grande Prairie area has ended.
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UPDATE (7:13 p.m.): All severe thunderstorm warnings have ended for the Grande Prairie area. A watch does remain in effect for the Grande Prairie-Beaverlodge-Valleyview forecast area.
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UPDATE (6:13 p.m.): The severe thunderstorm watch has been upgraded to a warning for the Grande Prairie area, including around O’Brien Lake Park and around Wembley.
Environment Canada says meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, up to nickel size hail and heavy rain. The storm is located 10 km south of Bezanson, and is heading to the north at 20 km/h.
They add this thunderstorm “will pass well to the east of the City of Grande Prairie.”
Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
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A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Grande Prairie-Beaverlodge-Valleyview forecast area, as well as areas to the north of the Swan City including Peace River, High Prairie and Fairview.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms early this afternoon that may be capable of producing large, nickel size hail and heavy rain.
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!,” says the weather office.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce large hail, damaging winds, and/or torrential rainfall.
