Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Rocky View County, including the Cochrane area.  

They say conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

It's believed thunderstorms will continue to develop this afternoon and last into this evening.  Some of the thunderstorms may be severe.

The weather office wants everyone to remember that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.  They want you to think of the motto, "When thunder roars, go indoors!"

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of storms that could produce one or more of the following:  large hail, damaging winds, and torrential rains.