Update (12:40 p.m.). . . Environment Canada is now warning that a wicked thunderstorm that went through the Okanagan Valley Friday night could be repeated Saturday afternoon and evening.
The national weather forecaster has updated a rainfall warning to a severe thunderstorm watch.There is a potential for severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening that could contain large hail and damaging winds.
From Environment Canada:
A slow-moving low pressure system situated off the coast of Washington state will continue to produce showers at times heavy over portions of the BC interior. Rainfall amounts up to 30 mm can be expected especially near thunderstorms today through tonight. Another 10 to 15 mm of rain is likely on Sunday over parts of the Kootenay and Columbia regions. Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms over much of the Kootenays, Columbias, southern and central interior this afternoon and evening. These storms have the potential risks of heavy downpour, gusty winds and large hail.
A lightning bolt strikes above the Mission area of Kelowna Friday night. (Photo: Tania Simpson)
by Dave Preston
A thunderstorm that brought high winds and driving rain to the Okanagan late Friday night brought down trees and caused power outages.
Power to Peachland went out at about 11:45 p.m., plunging the town into darkness. The outage was short lived, however, as lights turned back on about a minute later.
It was a different story for some Kelowna residents.
Fortis BC customers in south Kelowna lost their power and some still had no power Saturday morning.
(Photo: Tania Simpson)
Power was also out in Christina Lake, Christian Valley and Grand Forks.
About 1,500 BC Hydro customers lost power west of Shannon Lake Road at about 11:45 p.m.
Just minutes before the power outages began, Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for the Southern Interior.
The warning remains in effect. Up to 30 mm of rain can be expected, especially near thunderstorms, through Saturday night.
Editor’s Note: If you have photos of the storm or its aftermath, send them to news@peachlandnews.com
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