Grande Prairie, Peace River under severe thunderstorm watch : My ...

Severe thunderstorms are possible in the Peace Country Monday afternoon. Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Grande Prairie – Beaverlodge – Valleyview and Peace River – Fairview – High Prairie – Manning regions.

The meteorological service says thunderstorms will develop Monday afternoon over the northern foothills and track northeast in the evening and overnight.

“A few of these thunderstorms will become severe, accompanied by damaging wind gusts, torrential downpours, and hail possibly larger than golf ball size. There is also the risk of a tornado.”

It’s noted that very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles, and cause serious injury. Strong wind gusts can also toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees, and overturn large vehicles.

In Grande Prairie, the forecast is for a chance of rain and a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Monday night, 15 to 25 millimetres of rain is expected, which could be heavy at times, with thunderstorms. There is a risk of a severe thunderstorm as well.