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last mo.

Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Central and Northern B.C.

A south-tracking low-pressure system has created unstable air that could unleash tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail or heavy rain.

Mr. P.G. is pictured in Prince George, B.C. March, 2015.
File photo of a tornado in Saskatchewan. A tornado watch has been issued for Prince George, B.C.
A man uses an umbrella to shield himself from the rain while walking on the Stanley Park seawall across the water from downtown Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Overview

  • Environment Canada issued a tornado watch for the Prince George region and several yellow severe-thunderstorm watches for Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake and surrounding areas on Friday.
  • A storm warning for the Babine Lake area warns of gusts topping 90 km/h, hail the size of quarters and heavy rain that could cause local damage.
  • Heavy-rain warnings were posted for parts of eastern central Alberta with forecasts of up to about 70 millimetres before conditions ease by Sunday.
  • Officials urged people to take shelter on the lowest floor away from windows, leave mobile homes and temporary shelters if a warning is issued, and as a last resort lie low and protect your head from flying debris.
  • Forecasters stressed a watch means conditions are favourable rather than a confirmed tornado and reminded residents that tornadoes are rare in B.C. but to monitor Environment Canada and local emergency channels for any upgrades or reports of damage.