Severe thunderstorm watch issued for the Merritt area this afternoon

Environment Canada is issuing a severe thunderstorm watch for this afternoon and early this evening for the Nicola Valley area.

The warning from the agency says conditions in the area favorable for severe thunderstorms that are “capable for bringing large hail and heavy rain.”

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.

Environment Canada advised area residents that when you hear thunder, the potential for lightning also increases.

The agency recommends that when thunder roars, go indoors.