Canada

Unsettled weather and severe thunderstorms are expected in southern British Columbia

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch with the potential for strong winds, large hail and heavy rain for parts of southern British Columbia.

The weather agency says the watch is in effect for the Boundary, Nicola, Shuswap and South Thompson regions.

The Fraser Canyon — including Lillooet — and the Okanagan Valley — including Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton — are also included in the watch.

The British Columbia River Forecast Center has issued a high flow warning for the southern interior and southeast of the province, including the Similkameen River, Okanagan and Mission Creek, Boundary, East and West Kootenay and their tributaries.

A high flow warning means river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected.

It said there was a potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the southern interior and Kootenays on Sunday and Monday, and rivers were expected to rise in the areas receiving the heaviest rain.

The center says that given the uncertainty about the exact locations and intensity of the rainfall, it is possible that small and medium-sized watersheds across the region will experience high flows on Monday and Tuesday.

A flood warning first issued on June 27 remains in effect for Quesnel. A warning means flooding is expected.

Forecasters say people should stay indoors during a thunderstorm and avoid the banks of fast-moving rivers when warnings are in place.