Update: Severe thunderstorm warning ends in Chatham-Kent.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level severe thunderstorm warning for the Chatham-Kent area, with strong winds expected Monday evening.
The warning was issued at 8:13 p.m., with meteorologists tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts and small hail.
An area of storms was located from five kilometres southeast of Lakeshore to near Leamington and moving east at 75 km/h.
The primary hazard is wind gusts of up to 90 km/h. Pea- to dime-sized hail is also possible.
Communities that may be impacted include Leamington, Lakeshore, Wheatley Provincial Park, Tilbury, Rondeau Provincial Park, Comber, Wheatley, Elmdale, Port Alma, Merlin, North Buxton, Dealtown and Erieau.
Officials warn that local utility outages are likely and damage to roofs, fences, trees and temporary structures is possible.
Residents are advised to take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches and to protect themselves from flying debris and hail if outdoors.
Emergency Management Ontario is also urging residents to seek shelter as storms approach.
Environment Canada says severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when storms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or heavy rain are imminent or occurring.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts. Severe weather can be reported by email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca
or on X using #ONStorm.
