Updated at 7:22 p.m. – The heat warning ended for CK.
Updated at 6:44 p.m. – The severe thunderstorm warning has ended.
Update at 5:35 p.m. – Updated or ended by 7:05 p.m. EDT.
At 5:35 p.m. EDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, dime to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.
Radar indicates a severe thunderstorm near Windsor and Lake St Clair moving slowly eastwards at 20 km/h.
Radar inidicates a second severe thunderstorm near Fenelon Falls moving eastwards at 45 km/h
Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Go indoors and move away from windows and skylights.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
Update at 4:43 p.m. – A thunderstorm warning has been issued by Environment Canada for Chatham-Kent. The Warning will be updated or ended by 6:37 p.m. EDT.
At 4:43 p.m. EDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, dime to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.
Thunderstorms are approaching southwestern Ontario from the state of Michigan. There have been reports of severe hail and wind from these thunderstorms.
Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Go indoors and move away from windows and skylights.
Original story: Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch, to go along with their heat warning and the heat alert issued by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” Environment Canada officials stated. “An area of thunderstorms over western Lower Michigan is expected to track eastward, to affect portions of the regions late this afternoon into this evening.”
Watch for updates on the Sydenham Current.
Environment Canada has kept the heat warning issued yesterday, in effect for today.
Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health in Chatham-Kent, issued a Level 1 Heat Advisory for Chatham-Kent as humidex values may reach 40°C today.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit urges residents to follow these steps:
– Drink plenty of water.
– Go to an air conditioned place.
– Wear a hat and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
– Take a cool bath or shower.
– Limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day.
– Check on your neighbours and family.
– Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
– If you feel ill, faint, have difficulty breathing, or feel disoriented, visit your doctor or nearest hospital right away. In an emergency, call 911.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is advising residents and visitors to keep a close eye on family, friends, and neighbours who are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Those particularly vulnerable people include older adults, infants, pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses, homeless individuals, and those who work or exercise outdoors in the heat.
Signs of heat related illness include:
– Heat cramps: painful muscle cramps in legs or abdomen
– Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting
– Heat stroke: is a medical emergency, signs include headache, fainting, confusion or altered mental state
For more information contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519.352.7270 or visit staycoolchatham-kent.com
