UPDATE #2: The severe thunderstorm warning is no longer in effect for the County of Grande Prairie near Beaverlodge, Hythe, and Demmitt At 8:53 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms located from near Demmitt to Fort St. John moving north at 40 kilometres per hour.
UPDATE: Environment Canada has upgraded the severe thunderstorm watch for the County of Grande Prairie near Beaverlodge, Hythe, and Demmitt to a severe thunderstorm warning. As of 8:10 p.m. Friday, meteorologists are reportedly tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, nickel to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.
“The severe thunderstorm is located near Demmitt and is moving north at 40 kilometres per hour.”
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong gusts of wind, large hail and heavy rainfall. The watch area is en effect over Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge and Valleyview; as well as extending north to Fairview, High Prairie and Peace River.
Environment Canada says the storm watch will extend into the late afternoon and evening. Residents are being warned to take cover if conditions turn hazardous.
Large hail can damage property and cause injury, Strong winds can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.