Severe storm hits British Colombia and Alberta with heavy rain, hail and snow – Canada

Severe weather system hit parts of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada on June 18 and 19, with heavy rain, hail and snow. Snowfall and rainfall warnings remain in effect for parts of central Alberta on June 20.

A surprise snowfall hit the Okanagan Connector on DriveBChighway early Wednesday morning, June 19, 2019.

It was visible at the Pennask Summit on Highway 97C, around 75 km (46 miles) west of Kelowna at an elevation of 1 717 m (5 633 feet), and at Elkhart, which is at 1 621 m (5 318 feet).   

Jasper National Park (JNP) region, Alberta is under snowfall and rainfall warning on June 20. Rainfall warning is in effect for the City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park, Drayton Valley – Devon – Rimbey – Pigeon Lake, Hinton – Grande Cache, Nordegg – Forestry Trunk Road Highway 734, Rocky Mountain House – Caroline, Spruce Grove – Morinville – Mayerthorpe – Evansburg, and Whitecourt – Edson – Fox Creek – Swan Hills.

A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues, Environment Canada said in a rainfall warning issued June 20.

A developing low pressure system over central Alberta will continue to bring periods of rain to west-central regions. Total rainfall amounts could be as high as 75 mm (2.9 inches), before coming to an end on Friday, June 21. This warning may be expanded as more information becomes available, EC said.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations.

Snowfall with total amounts of about 10 cm (3.9 inches) is expected in JNP region.

"Snow has weakened off for today but light snow is still expected overnight before intensifying Thursday where a further 10 cm (3.93 inches) of snow is expected. This warning may be expanded to the Banff region at a later time as more information becomes available.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance."

Meanwhile, thousands of people in MacKenzie County in northern Alberta are being evacuated from their homes due to aggressive and growing wildfires.

Officials expect about 7 000 evacuees from La Crete and nearby communities to eventually register at the Fort Vermilion MacKenzie County Office.

Image credit: Alberta Wildfire

Featured image credit: ECCCWeatherBC