Thunderstorm arrives, severe thunderstorm watch still in place

Jul 19, 2024 | 3:32 PM

UPDATE: A huge thunderstorm with heavy rain, lightning and wind hit Grande Prairie just before 5 p.m. Friday.

The power was knocked out in part of Grande Prairie at 5:05 Friday afternoon.

The ATCO outages map says 3725 customers are impacted. The estimated time for the power to be back on is 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Outages have also been reported in Grovedale, Bezanson and Crooked Creek.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the Grande Prairie-Beaverlodge-Valleyview and Peace River-Fairview-High Prairie-Manning forecast areas.

Environment Canada says conditions are right for the development of storms with strong winds and large hail.

The weather office says storms are already developing in B.C.

The heat warnings are also still in place.

Highs up to 35 are in the forecast through Monday.

by Curtis Galbraith