UPDATE: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued on July 12 for Lac La Biche County, as well as most of eastern Alberta by Environment Canada, but is now no longer in effect.
UPDATE: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued on July 12 for Lac La Biche County, as well as most of eastern Alberta by Environment Canada, but is now no longer in effect.
"Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing large hail and torrential rain," the watch read. "Scattered thunderstorms will continue this evening. Some of these thunderstorms may be severe."
The watch advised that being outdoors is unsafe during a thunderstorm, and that particularly severe thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes.
A "watch" is the second-most-serious of Environment Canada's three types of alert: warnings, watches and statements.
An air quality statement was also in effect for the Lac La Biche area, but has since been lifted as well. The statement advised that smoke from wildfires that has blown into the area may cause shortness of breath and irritate the eyes and throat. People were advised to close windows and doors, run car air conditioning in re-circulation mode and turn off ventilation systems and air intake from outdoors in order to reduce exposure. People with existing respiratory and heart conditions were at a particular risk and were advised monitor their symptoms with caution.
Thunderstorms across the province sparked at least 14 new wildfires over 24 hours on July 11 and 12, according to Alberta Forestry. Recent dry conditions have made forests especially vulnerable to fires started by lightning. Wildfires can be reported to Alberta Environment by calling 310-FIRE.
During a severe thunderstorm, Environment Canada recommends sheltering inside and staying away from items that conduct electricity, including plugged-in electronics or appliances, radiators, sinks, bathtubs, metal pipes and clotheslines. If sheltering indoors is not possible, they advise to seek shelter in a lowered area like a ditch or a culvert and to avoid trees and tall structures.
The weather forecast for the Lac La Biche region from Environment Canada on July 12 also predicted mainly cloudy weather, a 60 per cent chance of rain and a low of 18 degrees C. A thunderstorm risk was also predicted for the evening of Monday, July 13.
