Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Fort St. John area as conditions become favourable for the development of potentially damaging storms Wednesday afternoon.
The weather agency says thunderstorms that develop could produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall.
The watch was issued at 3:58 p.m., with forecasters expressing high confidence that severe weather could develop in the region.
According to Environment Canada’s lightning map, hundreds of lightning strikes have hit the Doig River area northeast of Fort St. John after 3 p.m. Wednesday.
“When thunder roars, go indoors,” the agency said in its advisory, noting that lightning injures and kills Canadians every year.
Motorists and outdoor workers are encouraged to monitor weather updates and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop.
Environment Canada continues to monitor the situation and says additional warnings may be issued if severe storms form.