UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm warning ended in Central Okanagan

KELOWNA – A severe thunderstorm warning issued for Kelowna and the Central Okanagan has been ended by Environment Canada.

The warning was issued at around 2:20 p.m. today, June 21, when slow-moving thunderstorms west of Highway 97 between Peachland and Summerland capable of producting heavy rain moved into the Central Okanagan.

Environment Canada now says the severe thunderstorms have weakened or moved out of the region.

A severe thunderstorm watch this morning, June 21, as a moist, unstable mass over the B.C. Interior triggers thunderstorms. The watch remains in place.

Meteorologists say the main thunderstrom threat will be rainfall rates of up to 25 mm per hour because of the slow moving storms, plus wind gust of up to 90 km/h are possible.

Residents are advised to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada and to watch for flash floods and water pooling caused by heavy downpours as well as washouts nears rivers, creeks and culverts.

They also advise seeking shelter inside when you hear thunder, regardless of whether you see lightning.

For the very latest on watches and warning in the region go the Environment Canada website here.

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