Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Medicine Hat area

A Yellow severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Medicine Hat area, with conditions favourable for storms capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.

Environment Canada issued the watch at 12:18 p.m. on Monday, saying severe thunderstorms are expected to develop late in the afternoon and persist into the evening.

The storms could produce damaging winds and large hail, with possible damage to roofs, fences, branches and soft shelters.

Residents are being advised to secure loose objects around their properties before the storms develop and to take shelter indoors when thunder is heard.