Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Cochrane area and sections of Rocky View and Mountain View counties.

Areas who should be on the watch for a severe thunderstorm also include:

  • Mountain View Co. near Carstairs and Stirlingville
  • Mountain View Co. near Cremona and Water Valley
  • Mountain View Co. near Olds and Didsbury
  • Mountain View Co. near Sundre
  • Rocky View Co. near Airdrie and Crossfield
  • Rocky View Co. near Bottrel and Madden

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.

Thunderstorms will develop along the foothills this afternoon and evening and will move eastward. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe. Watches may be expanded this afternoon.

Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

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.