A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect for the Rocky Mountain House – Caroline area as well as for the Nordegg – Forestry Trunk Road Highway 734.

According to meteorologists with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

Officials say thunderstorms will develop along the foothills early this afternoon and move eastward.

Affected areas for the Rocky Mountain House – Caroline areas include:

• Brazeau Co. near Brazeau Dam
• Brazeau Co. near Cynthia and Lodgepool
• Clearwater Co. near Caroline and James River Bridge
• Clearwater Co. near Rocky Mountain House and Crimson Lake
• O’Chiese 203 Res. and Clearwater Co. near Sunchild Cree Res.
• Yellowhead Co. near Minnow and Wolf Lakes and Elk River

Other areas include Nordegg – Forestry Trunk Road Highway 734 and:

• Clearwater Co. near Chungo Creek
• Clearwater Co. near Nordegg and Big Horn Res.
• Clearwater Co. near Ya-Ha-Tinda Ranch
• Yellowhead Co. near Cadomin and Robb

Officials remind residents, 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.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

ECCC says 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.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.