Weather alert issued for Kamloops with significant storms expected Wednesday

It will feel like summer in the southern Interior today, but a major shift is expected in the next 24 hours.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for most of the region, including the North and South Thompson, that calls for late-season thunderstorms on Wednesday.

“A vigorous cold front will cross the province on Wednesday bringing with it very strong winds aloft and an unstable air mass that is ripe for the development of strong wind gusts, heavy showers and potentially thunderstorms,” the agency explains.

“Any thunderstorms that do develop will likely form a line resulting in the potential for repeated heavy downpours from multiple thunderstorms over the same area resulting in locally heavy rainfall totals.”

Environment Canada says there’s potential for damage to buildings, like roof shingles and windows, and power outages from fallen tree branches.

Boaters and watercraft users are being warned of sudden strong gusts over lakes, while motorists should be aware of potential strong crosswinds over high-elevation highway passes.

The rain could also result in localized flooding or water pooling on roads, Environment Canada notes, as well as a risk of debris flows in areas impacted by burn scars.

While the alert was put in place early this morning, more than 24 hours ahead of the expected cold front, it has the potential to change before Wednesday and should be monitored by residents.