The Cochrane area is among those placed under a severe thunderstorm watch by Environment Canada.

Other areas impacted 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 damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

Strong thunderstorms are expected to develop over central and southern Alberta this afternoon. These storms will dissipate later this evening. The main threats from these storms will be large hail and wind gusts to over 100 km/h. There may also be localized heavy rain.

Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year, reminds Environment Canada.

"Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes," it states in the warning. "There isn't a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm."

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.