Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Environment Canada is warning there is a potential for thunderstorms with very strong winds and heavy downpours in the East Kootenay on Wednesday.
The special weather statement also includes Elk Valley, East Columbia, and Yoho Park-Kootenay Park.
Potential hazards include:
• Very strong wind gusts leading to potential broken tree limbs and power outages
• Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows
• Boaters and watercraft users are advised of sudden strong gusts over lakes
• Motorists are advised of potential strong crosswinds over high-elevation highway passes susceptible to crosswinds
• Thunderstorms with repeated heavy downpours leading to locally heavy rainfall totals, flooding or water pooling on roads
• There is a heightened risk of debris flows over areas impacted by burn scars
The public can monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada here: https://weather.gc.ca/index_e.html?layers=alert
People are reminded to take steps at home to prepare in case the area experiences severe weather. Check that your flashlights have batteries, and that you have stored water in the event power outages impact water supply. Ensure your battery chargers are fully charged, and that you have snacks/non-perishable food to last you two to three days in the event of a longer power outage.
For tips on how to build a “72-hour emergency kit” or prepare yourself for the unexpected, visit www.preparedbc.ca