Severe thunderstorm warning and smoky skies in Southern Interior

A severe thunderstorm watch and a smoky skies warning has been issued by Environment Canada for parts of the Southern Interior. Today, Aug. 16 conditions are favourable for producing severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. The rain can cause flash flooding and water pooling onto roads. The areas impacted by the thunderstorm watch are the South Okanagan, Penticton and Boundary area, as well as Northern Fraser Canyon, including Lillooet, Nicola including Merritt. Western areas of the South Thompson including Cache Creek, Ashcroft and Spences Bridge are also affected. There is also a heightened risk of debris flowing over areas that have been impacted by recent burn scars. Severe weather can be reported to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca. Updates about the thunderstorms and risks in the area can be found here. https://weather.gc.ca/index_e.html?layers=alert&zoom=1&center=58.76870563,-89.65314213 The smoke from wildfires is expected to affect the South Thompson area for 24 to 48 hours. The smoke may be in many regions of the province but should improve in the areas, with the exception of the Central coast. Smoke inhalation can cause health risks to many vulnerable individuals, including those who are pregnant, seniors, infants and young children, outdoor workers, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and smokers. Symptoms can include eye, nose and throat infections, chest pains and severe coughing. It is recommended to limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed, while also protecting your indoor area from wildfire smoke by using a good quality air purifier or air filter system. It is recommended to check in on family and neighbours who may be more affected by smoke. More information and updates about smoky skies can be found here.  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.   To contact a reporter for this story, email Bailey Zimmer mailto:bzimmer@infonews.ca  or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .