Image: CFJC Today file photo / File photo of lightning. Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Chilliwack area Saturday afternoon.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Severe thunderstorm warning

Updated: Severe thunderstorm warning downgraded to ‘severe thunderstorm watch’ Saturday

Jun 15, 2024 | 3:50 PM

**Update at 4:15 p.m. Saturday: Environment Canada has downgraded the severe thunderstorm warning previously issued to a severe thunderstorm warning. From Environment Canada: Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. Funnel clouds have been observed this afternoon in the Fraser Valley near Yarrow and conditions are such that they may reform over the next several hours. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.**

Original story below from Saturday at 3:45 p.m.:

CHILLIWACK — Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Chilliwack area Saturday afternoon.

According to a warning issued Saturday afternoon (June 15), Environment Canada said at 3:16 p.m. Saturday that its meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, pea to dime size hail and heavy rain. This thunderstorm is located near Yarrow. It is moving northeast at 15 km/h towards Chilliwack.

Environment Canada says heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, and strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

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“Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes,” Environment Canada wrote in its weather statement. “Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.”

Environment Canada asks residents continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.