5:10 AM PDT Tuesday 24 September 2024 Special Weather Statement in effect for: West Columbia Late season thunderstorm potential with very strong wind gusts and locally heavy downpours Where: Fraser Canyon, North & South Thompson, Nicola Valley, Similkameen, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Columbias, Kootenays When: Wednesday. Wednesday night for areas east of Golden and Creston towards the Alberta border. Hazards: - Very strong wind gusts leading to potential broken tree limbs and power outages - Boaters and watercraft users are advised of sudden strong gusts over lakes - Motorists are advised of potential strong crosswinds over high elevation highway passes susceptible to crosswinds - Potential thunderstorms with repeated heavy downpours leading to locally heavy rainfall totals, localised flooding or water pooling on roads - There is a heightened risk of debris flows over areas impacted by burn scars Remarks: A vigorous cold front will cross the province on Wednesday bringing with it very strong winds aloft and an unstable airmass that is ripe for the development of strong wind gusts, heavy showers and potentially thunderstorms. Any thunderstorms that do develop will likely form a line resulting in the potential for repeated heavy downpours from multiple thunderstorms over the same area resulting in locally heavy rainfall totals. Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur High winds may result in power outages, and fallen tree branches Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm .
