Severe weather potential from coast to coast
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, July 23, 2014, 6:49 PM - Active weather alerts have been issued across the country with storms set to fire up through the evening.
THE EAST COAST
A widespread thunderstorm risk stretches across eastern Canada through Wednesday evening -- particularly in New Brunswick.
"Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain," Environment Canada warns in a statement.
Forecasters are reminding residents to head indoors should a thunderstorm develop.
"There isn't a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm," EC warns.
"In Canada, lightning kills up to 10 people every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors."
On Thursday, the thunderstorm risk will move into Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
CENTRAL CANADA
Flights were delayed at Quebec's Montreal-Trudeau airport Wednesday morning due to storms and high winds.
The conditions left thousands of Hydro-Québec customers were also without power, especially in Montreal and Montérégie areas.
EXTENDED ACTIVE WEATHER COVERAGE: Tune in to The Weather Network for live updates on the summer storms in your area. Our team of reporters and meteorologists in the field provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date coverage.
About 4000 lightning strikes per hour were recorded in southern portions of the province as the storm cells moved through the region Wednesday morning.
Severe thunderstorm watches were in effect in Quebec for most of the day.
Active weather isn't currently targeting Ontario -- but southern portions of the province are experiencing below-seasonal temperatures.
THE WEST COAST
Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are in effect in Alberta and Saskatchewan, courtesy of a low pressure system moving inland from the British Columbia coast.
The storms have already prompted flash flooding in Kamloops, B.C.
The system has elevated the risk of strong winds, heavy hail and intense lightning across western Canada.
RELATED: Visit the Alerts section of the website to keep on top of watches and warnings across the country.
