Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Hat, Cypress and Newell Counties

A band of potentially severe weather making its way through Special Area 2 Friday afternoon at 3 pm. (Screenshot from Environment Canada)

Environment Canada is issuing a severe thunderstorm watch and warning for areas running between Highway 2 between Lethbridge and Edmonton and the Saskatchewan border including much of southeastern Alberta.

Conditions are favourable for the development of storms with the potential of producing heavy rain, large hail along with strong winds along with formation of funnel clouds.

Motorists are also being warned of difficult driving conditions if they find themselves in such weather.

While most of the region is currently facing watch conditions, parts of Special Area 2 including Veteran and Consort are under the elevated severe thunderstorm warning.

That warning is also extended to areas stretching from Castor on Hwy. 36 to areas around Wainwright.