A lighting strike during a thunderstorm in Kamloops on Aug. 11, 2022 (Photo via Karen Shelton)
A Thursday evening thunderstorm brought with it lightning, rain, and flash flooding in Kamloops and Merritt.
Drivers reported ‘bumper deep water’ in front of Chances Casino on the Kamloops North Shore.
“City crews are responding to various storm-related events to keep our services running smoothly,” the City of Kamloops said, in a tweet. “If you are experiencing localized flooding of an urgent nature, please notify Civic Operations at 250-828-3461.
Bumper deep water in front of Chances on the north shore wooooow the drag #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/ZHiAUh2drR
— Beth Anne Quirie (@bethquirie) August 12, 2022
Firefighters were also called to Thompson Rivers Manor at 975 Tranquille Road which was hit by lighting.
Reports to NL News were that the building was evacuated as a precaution.
A few power outages have also been reported in Kamloops and other parts of the Southern Interior as a result of this storm. For the latest on that, go here.
Wait a moment for the boom.
Strikes/Flashes every 45 seconds or so. Some are very close.
Rain is slowing down, but the lightning is not.@Kamscan @bc_storm_watch @BCWildfireWkly #Kamloops #BCfirewatch #BCwildfires #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/WexJleqvS2
— Darin Huston (@IamMaLLahoFF) August 12, 2022
In Merritt, which was hit hard by flooding last November, there were also reports of flooding on Houston Street downtown.
“Please avoid driving or walking through puddles. It is difficult to determine the depth of the puddle and the potential danger,” the City of Merritt said, in a tweet. “Drive slowly if necessary. There is no blockage of drains. It may take a while for the water to dissipate.”
Correction Was updated that its Huston St
— Kamscan (@Kamscan) August 11, 2022
The BC Wildfire Service reported a little over 1,200 lightning strikes across the Kamloops Fire Centre during the storm Wednesday night. It led to a few spot fires in the area though some of them have since been taken off the wildfire dashboard.
BCWS was anticipating more fire starts as a result of Thursday’s storm with Fire Information Officer, Taylor Colman set to join the NL Morning News with the latest at 8:20 a.m., Aug. 12.
Maybe not quite “epic” but stronger than most recent storms is safe to say.
— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) August 12, 2022
If you see something of concern in the area, feel free to contact the NL Talkback Line at 250-571-5603 or email nlnews@radionl.com
