Environment Canada says thunderstorms and flash floods are possible in Kamloops and the Southern Interior region beginning tonight into the weekend.

The national agency has issued a special weather statement because a low pressure system is expected to develop over the Interior tonight which will bring the rain to the South Thompson, the Nicola, and the Fraser Canyon.

Meteorologist Doug Lundquist says most areas could see about 10 mm of rain tonight, and another 10 mm tomorrow.

“With this type of system though with thunderstorms, it can be highly variable and that’s where the concerns come in,” he said. “If the rain comes down really quickly say on one of those burn scars, that can create some problems. That’s probably the only major negative risk.”

Areas affected by thunderstorms could potentially see rainfall in excess of 30 mm, but Lundquist says while there is a possibility for some flooding in areas, the risk is low.

“It’s something that’s happened in the last few years because of those big, big burn scars, it gives a lot of area for the water to kind of flood off quickly,” Lundquist added. “If it comes down slower, it’s actually a really good thing.”

“There’s actually a possibility and Kamloops is famous for it, if we get a thunderstorm and it comes down fairly quickly, there’s some underpasses there that can flood and cause problems.”

Another concern is lightning that accompanies the thunderstorms, but Lundquist says the rain is much needed, given the dry conditions in the area.

The rainfall is expected to taper off later in the day on Saturday.