UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm warning has ended for east Vancouver Island from Courtenay to Campbell River but remains in effect for inland Vancouver Island.
Original story follows:
Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for both east and inland Vancouver Island Friday afternoon.
Meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms “capable of producing very strong winds, up to nickel-size hail and heavy rain,” according to a 4:19 p.m. alert from the weather agency.
At the time, it said a slow-moving cluster of severe thunderstorms located near Buttle Lake and Upper Campbell River was moving north at 10 kilometres per hour.
That’s prompting Environment Canada to advise people to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches and to remember when thunder roars, go indoors.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year,” it said in its alert.
Environment Canada adds that severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce large hail, damaging winds or torrential rainfall.
People are encouraged to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada and to report severe weather by emailing [email protected] or tweet using #BCStorm.
CHEK News
