Update #2: The severe thunderstorm warning ended in Chatham-Kent at 8:58 p.m. The thunderstorm watch remains in effect.
Update: At 7:09 p.m. EDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, dime to nickel size hail and heavy rain.
The north to south line of thunderstorms is over extreme western Lake Erie and moving northeast. These thunderstorms are capable of producing wind gusts to 100 km/h. Hail to 2 cm in diameter and heavy downpours may also be associated.
Updated or ended by 9:31 p.m. EDT.
Original story: A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued in Chatham-Kent.
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
Thunderstorms are expected to begin late this afternoon or early this evening and persist through the evening hours.
Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required. Please monitor local media or Weatheradio. To report severe weather, send an email to storm.ontario@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #ONStorm.
