UPDATE: Southern Interior weather alerts in place for severe thunderstorms, significant rainfall

(UPDATE: June 20 @ 10:30 am) - It's looking like a wet start to the weekend in BC's Southern Interior.

Having already issued a severe thunderstorm watch early this morning, Environment Canada has now issued a special weather statement regarding heavy rainfall.

The weather agency says an upper disturbance will settle over the southern half of the province, bringing "strong thunderstorms" and "heavy precipitation" this afternoon and tonight.

"Because of the convective nature of the system, showers will be widespread, and areas where thunderstorms develop will further enhance precipitation rates," the latest alert explains.

"Once the thunderstorm threat diminishes this evening, moderate rainfall will persist tonight and into Saturday. Total rainfall amounts will be highly variable across the southern interior region, with 20 up to 40 mm possible."

Environment Canada warns that sudden heavy downpours have the potential to cause localized flooding, water pooling on roads and even landslides or debris flows from vulnerable landscapes.

(Original story: June 20 @ 5:40 am) - A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of the BC Interior this morning.

Environment Canada said a storm could be possible throughout the day, alongside heavy rainfall.

The areas affected by the watch are:

• Fraser Canyon
• Nicola
• South Thompson
• Similkameen
• Okanagan Valley
• Shuswap

“An upper disturbance will settle over southern British Columbia where widespread showers and strong thunderstorms are expected to produce heavy precipitation this afternoon and evening,” Environment Canada’s bulletin explains.

“Because of the convective nature of the system, showers will be widespread, and areas where thunderstorms develop will only further enhance precipitation rates. Once the thunderstorm threat diminishes this evening, moderate rainfall will persist tonight and into Saturday, with local amounts up to 25 mm.”

The forecaster warned that sudden downpours could cause flooding and landslides.

It added: “When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Don't drive through flooded roadways.”