Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watch, damaging hail possible for Revelstoke area

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Revelstoke area on July 19.

The alert came just after 11 a.m. on Thursday.

According to the statement, conditions in the Revelstoke and West Columbia areas are “favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.”

11:07 EnvCanada issued watch #Thunderstorms #Revelstoke #BCStorm https://t.co/6FMPdFnXVl

— Revelstoke (@ECAlertBC65) July 19, 2018

In the statement, Environment Canada said the hail could cause damage to property: “Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”

Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watches when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more conditions, including large hail, damaging winds and torrential rainfall.