Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Watch for Prince George and the immediate vicinity, as a passing stormfront has the right conditions for a severe thunderstorm to develop that could spawn a tornado.
Forecasters say strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible in the Prince George area, which may cause damage.
Those in the area or passing through should keep a close watch on local weather alerts and be ready to seek shelter if a tornado forms.
“In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area: go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Be prepared for severe weather. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take cover immediately. When out on the water, be prepared for severe weather. If threatening weather approaches make for shore and take shelter immediately. It is particularly dangerous to be on a small craft on the open water when lightning is occurring.” – Tornado safety information included within the Tornado Watch issued by Environment Canada
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also currently in effect for a large swath of eastern and central BC, with alerts associated with this storm system stretching from Dawson Creek and the peace to Golden in the south, across most of the central interior including Williams Lake, Quesnel, and large parts of the Bulkley-Nechako including Vanderhoof and Burns lake.
