Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Foothills County

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

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon (Aug. 20), with potential for strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and hail.

The watch was issued for:

•    Kananaskis Improvement District near Highwood House, Alta. (071540)
•    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 is reminding residents to seek shelter if they hear thunder, and that strong winds and hail and damage property and overturn vehicles.

The storms are expected to drift eastward in the evening.