Thunderstorms and heavy rain possible in Okanagan, Boundary and Nicola

Some bad weather is rolling in, creating further concern for areas that are prone to flooding.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for much of the Southern Interior, noting that there's a potential for heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

"An unstable atmosphere will lead to widespread showers with the risk of embedded thunderstorms over southern B.C. this afternoon and evening," reads the statement.

"Total rainfall amounts will be highly variable, ranging from five millimetres to upwards of 30 mm in areas affected by thunderstorms. While pinpointing the exact location and timing of thunderstorms is impossible, the heaviest precipitation is expected east of Okanagan Lake and into the Kootenays tonight."

The public and emergency managers should be prepared for sudden and heavy downpours. With snowpacks now primed for melt, the added rainfall could contribute to increased runoff in some areas including the Okanagan and Kootenay-Boundary regions. Check the River Forecast Centre's flood warnings and advisories for more information on flooding.

Showers and a risk of thunderstorms will continue Wednesday, however rainfall totals are expected to be less than tonight.


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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.