UPDATE #2: The warning has ended. Environment Canada says severe thunderstorms have weakened or moved out of the region.
UPDATE: The watch has been upgraded to a warning for the County of Grande Prairie near Sexsmith and La Glace.
At 6:18 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists say they are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel size hail and heavy rain. It is located near Webster and is moving slowly to the northeast.
The Grande Prairie region could see a severe thunderstorm Saturday afternoon.
Environment Canada has issued a watch for much of the County of Grande Prairie and Municipal District of Greenview, saying conditions are favourable this afternoon for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”
In the City of Grande Prairie, more clouds are expected and the forecast is calling for a 60 per cent chance of showers or thunderstorms late in the afternoon with risk of severe thunderstorms.
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.