A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for western, central and parts of southern New Brunswick.
Environment Canada issued the yellow‑level watch for Fredericton and Southern York County, Oromocto and Sunbury County, Grand Lake and Queens County, Sussex and Kings County, Saint John and County, St. Stephen and Northern Charlotte County, and Grand Manan and Coastal Charlotte County.
The agency said conditions are favourable for thunderstorms that may become severe and produce heavy rain.
Rainfall rates could reach 30 to 50 millimetres per hour in some storms.
Environment Canada said the storms are expected to be slow‑moving, increasing the risk of localized flooding and reduced visibility.
Driving conditions may be difficult, according to the agency. The watch remains in effect until late this evening.
Environment Canada added that lightning injures and kills Canadians every year and advises people to head indoors when thunder is heard.
Alex Allan is an award-winning multimedia journalist and graduate of Fanshawe College’s Journalism Broadcasting and Digital Communication Management programs. He is based in Saint John and covers stories across New Brunswick. Contact Alex at allana@radioabl.ca.