Southern Albertans warned to stay inside as severe thunderstorms sweep in

A cluster of severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep into southern Alberta Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada warns.

The agency issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Clearwater County near Nordegg and Ya-Ha-Tinda and for the M.D. of Foothills near Longviewshortly before 2 p.m.

Additional warnings for a stationary storm near Oyenand Cereal that's expected to bring in torrential rainfall, and a cluster of storms moving northeast in the Kananaskis area, were issued around 3 p.m.

Heavy rain, strong wind gusts and nickel-sized hail could be on the way, and Environment Canada is warning Albertans to stay indoors.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued around 5:30 p.m. between Stand Off onthe Blood Reserve and Cardston County.

"Isolated large hail, up to quarter size, is the main threat with these storms," according to Environment Canada.

Lethbridge, Taber, Milk River, Medicine Hat, Bow Island and Suffieldwere also issuedsevere thunderstorm warningsaround 6:45 p.m. Environment Canada said the stormis capable of producing very strong wind gusts, nickeltoping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.

Much of the southern part of the province was put under severe thunderstorm watch, including Calgary, Airdrie and Okotoks.

The thunderstorm warnings were being updated rapidly by Environment Canada.Anup-to-date list of weather alerts is available on the agency's website.

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