NEW: Tornado watches downgraded to Thunderstorm watches for southern Alberta

Environment & Climate Change Canada has downgraded earlier Tornado watches to Severe Thunderstorm watches for southern Alberta.

In its latest statement, ECCC says conditions remain favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this evening .

It also cautions that severe thunderstorms could produce tornadoes.

The weather agency added severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or rain.