Update: the tornado watch has ended in Chatham-Kent.
Original story: A tornado watch is in effect for Chatham-Kent.
At 5:48 p.m. conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes.
Isolated strong thunderstorms over extreme Southwestern Ontario have the potential to produce a brief tornado. Conditions have become favourable for a brief tornado, particularly around Leamington until around 6:30 PM, as well as near Lake St Clair.
This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.cpio-tempetes-ospc-storms.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
