The East Kootenay and Kootenay Lake areas are under a severe thunderstorm watch for Wednesday afternoon.
Environment Canada officials said conditions are favourable for developing storms that may produce large hail and heavy rain.
Officials said the biggest threat will come from lightning in the afternoon, followed by hail in the evening.
“Areas where smoke is thin or non-existent will have the highest likelihood of thunderstorm development [Wednesday] afternoon,” said Environment Canada.
Communities south of Ainsworth, Kimberley and Sparwood will most likely get hit the hardest by any possible storms or hail.
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops,” said Environment Canada. “Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”
Severe thunderstorm watch alerts are sent out when conditions are ripe for storms that can large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall or a combination of those.
