Forecast thunderstorms add to flooding concerns across southern B.C.
VANCOUVER — Residents in several areas of British Columbia are bracing for severe thunderstorms as another round of wicked weather bears down on flood-weary regions.
Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches for areas including the Shuswap and Okanagan east to the Alberta boundary, and the Cariboo, Prince George and Fort Nelson regions of central and northeastern B.C.
Large hail, powerful wind gusts and heavy rain could accompany the storms, adding to the woes of residents in the southern Interior, where river and lake levels continue to creep past flood stage.
New evacuation orders were issued late Tuesday in Olalla, southwest of Penticton, as Keremeos Creek threatens six properties and the Okanagan Indian Band also ordered evacuations for several properties on the west side of Okanagan Lake, south of Vernon.