The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Coquitlam, Maple Ridge

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There is a severe thunderstorm warning for part of Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.

As of Friday afternoon, there were heavy downpours in different parts of the region. Forecasters warned the storm cell was likely to bring heavy rain that could exceed accumulations of 25 millimetres an hour.

Some areas, particularly around Maple Ridge, have been reporting flash floods due to heavy downpours. The storm has also brought hail.

Listener Carri called us from Maple Ridge as rain and hail pounded the roof of her car.

“I’m on 224th and Lougheed and trees are blowing sideways,” she describes. “There’s hail about the size of peas and it is torrential down-pouring.”

Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking the thunderstorm, but say it is almost stationary.

NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Michael Kuss will be tracking this storm cell throughout the day. Listen live every 10 minutes on the ones for weather updates after traffic.