Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Foothills County

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for much of Southern Alberta, including Foothills County.

Severe storms may develop this afternoon and early evening, potentially bringing strong wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain.

The alert is in effect for the following areas:

•    Foothills Co. near Priddis and Brown-Lowery Prov. Park, Alta. (072521)
•    Foothills Co. near Diamond Valley, Alta. (072522)
•    Foothills Co. near Longview and Eden Valley Res., Alta. (072523)
•    Foothills Co. near Okotoks and De Winton, Alta. (072531)
•    Foothills Co. near High River and Aldersyde, Alta. (072532)
•    Foothills Co. near Cayley, Alta. (072533)
•    M.D. of Willow Creek near Nanton and Parkland, Alta. (072541)
•    M.D. of Willow Creek near Claresholm and Stavely, Alta. (072542)
•    Foothills Co. near Blackie, Alta. (072620)
•    Siksika Res. 146, Alta. (072633)
•    Vulcan Co. near Arrowwood Herronton and Queenstown, Alta. (072641)
•    Vulcan Co. near Vulcan and Ensign, Alta. (072642)
•    Vulcan Co. near Carmangay and Champion, Alta. (072643)
•    Vulcan Co. near Lomond Travers and Little Bow Reservoirs, Alta. (072644)
•    Vulcan Co. near Milo, Alta. (072645)

Environment Canada warns that severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes.

Residents are reminded to seek shelter immediately if they hear thunder, and to be prepared for flash flooding in the event of heavy rainfall.