Severe thunderstorm watch and smoky skies for B.C. southern interior

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued by Environment Canada as conditions are just right for heavy rain and gusts of wind. Today, Aug. 13, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch that is likely to happen over the ridges east of Okanagan valley. The storm may include hail, as well as intense lightning which is likely in any developed thunderstorm. The heavy downpours from the storm can cause flash flooding and water pooling onto roads. Meanwhile, the smoke has started to move, creating another advisory. Smoke from wildfires from the Northeast, Central Interior and Southern Interior continue to impact downwind communities over the next 24 to 48 hours as a smoky skies bulletin has been issued.  It includes the North Okanagan including Vernon, Shuswap and North and South Thompson regions, including Kamloops. Residents are encouraged to monitor their activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable and take note that mild irritation and discomfort are common during hazy days. Smoke levels will be lower indoors but are still elevated. Alerts and forecasts for thunderstorm updates can continue to be seen here. https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/warning-latest_en.php?ualert_id=2526&alert_code=STV 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 .