UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm on Okanagan Connector moves on
A severe thunderstorm that developed over the Okanagan Connector this afternoon has weakened and moved out of the area.
Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Highway 97C from Kelowna to Merritt this afternoon, July 12. The warning was ended at about 3:20 p.m.
The thunderstorm was between the Pennask Summit and Elkhart Lake Recreation Site and meteorologists said it was nearly stationary.
Another severe thunderstorm has developed over the Coquihalla Highway near Walloper Lake Provincial Park and the junction of the Coquihalla and Highway 97D, the weather office said. It's moving northeast at 50 km/h.
Along with intense lightning, the storm was capable of heavy downpours that could have caused flash floods and pooling water pooling.
“If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance,” the warning has said.
A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for the South Thompson, Shuswap, and North and Central Okanagan.
For the latest on the severe thunderstorm warning, go to Environment Canada’s weather information page here.
— This story was updated to say the storm on Highway 97C had weakened and moved out of the area, while another severe storm had formed on the Coquihalla Highway.
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