Update: The thunderstorm watch has ended.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued in Chatham-Kent, as conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.
Environment Canada officials say hazards, include: Strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h, hail up to 2.5 cm in diameter or quarter size and a risk of an isolated, brief tornado.
The timing is late this afternoon into early this evening, forecasters added.
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury,” Environment Canada officials say.
“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Locally heavy rain is also possible. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
“Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall,” Environment Canada officials say.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada, forecasters say.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
For more information: ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency.
