Environment Canada is predicting a cold front to sweep across southern B.C. on Tuesday, possibly bringing heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms.
The forecaster said rainfall could range between 15 to 25 millimetres, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h in some places.
Because of this, Environment Canada has put a special weather statement in place. The alert is in effect for the Kootenays, ranging from the Grand Forks area to the Elk Valley, the Okanagan, and north to Lake Revelstoke and Ashcroft.
The forecast predicts thunderstorms to strike on Tuesday, with rainfall lingering until Wednesday.
Environment Canada has also put a severe thunderstorm watch in place ahead of the weather system moving in.
This comes as the region could be hit by strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” said Environment Canada officials. “Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”
More: Environment Canada alert page