By rdnewsNOW staff

Storm Watch

Severe thunderstorm warnings, watches issued for central Alberta

Jul 16, 2020 | 4:57 PM

Environment Canada say severe thunderstorms are in store for much of central Alberta this evening.

A severe thunderstorm warning is now in effect for Red Deer County near Spruce View and Red Lodge Provincial Park, and also for areas near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House.

Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions, Environment Canada says.

Meteorologists say conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.

Thunderstorms have developed along the foothills this afternoon and evening and will move eastward. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe. Watches may be expanded.

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Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.

Severe thunderstorm watches are currently in effect for:

• Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek
• City of Red Deer
• Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park
• Co. of Stettler near Big Valley
• Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby
• Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang
• Co. of Stettler near Donalda
• Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands
• Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad
• Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror
• Lacombe Co. near Eckville
• Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley
• Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis
• Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne
• Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden
• Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake

Environment Canada says severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.