Severe thunderstorm watch issued for interior, northern B.C.

Amid heightened concerns about wildfires, Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for many areas in B.C.’s interior and northern regions.

The agency says “conditions are favourable” for severe thunderstorms that are able to produce strong wind, hail, and heavy rain.

As conditions remain hot and dry throughout much of the province, there are worries lightning strikes could spark more fires.

BC Wildfire officials say a lightning storm rolling over Vancouver Island was responsible for sparking nearly a dozen fires burning in the region Wednesday. All of the fires centred around the Barkley Sound area, with blazes reported near the communities of Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Bamfield, Buttle Lake and Nitinat Lake.

Fire information officer Julia Caranci says it’s possible some of the fires are being reported more than once, given their close proximity. All of those reported on the island were smaller than an acre in size as of Wednesday afternoon.

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Meanwhile, Environment Canada warns “large hail can damage property and cause injury,” and strong winds can throw objects around and damage some infrastructure. Tree damage is also possible.

“Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops,” the agency states. “Heavy downpours are likely to cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.”

In addition to possibly sparking wildfires, lighting also has the potential to seriously hurt or even kill people.

The severe thunderstorm watch covers more than a dozen areas, including the Okanagan Valley and Similkameen.