Lightning storms may be coming to Vancouver Island on Thursday afternoon, with one wave of the storm hitting further up Island earlier in the day.
Environment Canada meteorologist Jennifer Kowal says the storms have been “swirling off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.”
“It hasn’t crossed the Island yet, but it is feeing these troughs of thunderstorms up towards the Island,” Kowal said.
Earlier on Thursday, there were thunderstorms between Tofino and Jordan River, and another series is expected further into the Island throughout the afternoon and evening.
For most of the Island, the thunderstorm risk will end on Thursday evening, but the risk remains for the North Island until Friday evening.
With the thunder and lightning will also come heavy rainfall, however Kowal notes hail and strong winds aren’t as much of an expected factor in this storm.
With lightning also comes the risk of wildfires.
“At this point, we’re starting from a place of drought. So even if there was to be some rain, we’re still in a high risk, high-risk regime, for wildfires,” she said.
“So even though if it was raining a lot with a thunderstorm, it could have the potential to kind of put out immediately what it starts. If there isn’t enough in the region, or if the rain isn’t exactly co-located with the lightning storm, you’re still at risk for a wildfire start with any lightning at this time of year.”
Lightning storms are less common for Vancouver Island, so Kowal has some safety reminders for those less familiar.
“When thunder roars, go indoors,” she said.
“If you hear any thunder or see any lightning, we just suggest that you move indoors from whatever you’re doing, and you wait 30 minutes until after the last strike until you go back outdoors.”
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