Severe thunderstorms likely in parts of central and northern Alberta this afternoon

3:35 p.m. MT: A severe thunderstorm WATCH remains in effect for areas east and north of Edmonton. But, the city of Edmonton and areas to the south and west are no longer under the advisory.

Areas from Grande Prairie east to Cold Lake, as well as the Vegreville to Lloydminster and Coronation regions continue to have a risk of severe storms this afternoon.

Thunderstorms have developed early this afternoon over areas east and northeast of Edmonton with a few storms becoming severe and producing torrential downpours and hail. There is also the possibility of some funnel clouds, although the risk of a tornado is low.

The storms are slowly moving NNE.

Also - a Rainfall WARNING has been issued for areas from Slave Lake south to Evansburg and west through the Edson and Valleyview. Heavy rain will develop tonight and continue through the day Thursday. 50-75mm of rain is expected by the end of the day Thursday, with the bulk of that rain coming Thursday afternoon.

2:42 p.m. MT: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the city of Edmonton, as well as areas from Grande Prairie east to Cold Lake and for regions around the QE2 south to Calgary, and all areas east to the Saskatchewan border.

Thunderstorms have developed early this afternoon over areas east and northeast of Edmonton with a few storms becoming severe and producing torrential downpours and hail.

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There is also the possibility of some funnel clouds, although the risk of a tornado is low.

The storms are slowly moving NNE. That’s taking them away from the Edmonton area and the potential for storms over the city and areas to the west of Edmonton through the afternoon hours is low.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and will update this story through the afternoon and on CTV News tonight at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.