Update: The severe thunderstorm watch has ended in Chatham-Kent.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Chatham-Kent, with conditions favourable for storms capable of producing strong winds, large hail and heavy rainfall.
Environment officials issued the yellow-level alert at 5:22 p.m. Thursday, indicating a moderate impact level and high forecast confidence.
The storm system could bring wind gusts up to 80 km/h, hail the size of quarters and rainfall amounts reaching up to 30 millimetres.
The storms are expected to develop this evening.
Officials warn that local utility outages are possible, along with damage to roofs, fences, tree branches and temporary structures.
“When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.”
Emergency Management Ontario is advising residents to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or heavy rain.
Residents are encouraged to monitor alerts and forecasts from Environment Canada. Severe weather reports can be submitted by email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca
or by posting on X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
