Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Chatham-Kent, warning that heavy rain, strong winds and severe thunderstorms could affect the municipality beginning later Wednesday and continuing overnight.
The weather agency said wind gusts of 70 to 90 kilometres per hour are expected, with higher gusts possible in thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts in excess of 40 millimetres are also possible.
Showers are expected to begin late this afternoon or early this evening before intensifying as a strong low-pressure system approaches the area.
“There is a potential for severe thunderstorms this evening with heavy rain and strong wind gusts being the primary threats,” Environment Canada said in the statement issued at 11:23 a.m. EDT Wednesday.
The agency added that “Rainfall amounts of 40 mm or greater are possible as a result of the thunderstorms and showers with this system.”
Environment Canada said the unsettled conditions are expected to begin “later this afternoon or early this evening continuing into the overnight hours.”
The agency noted that “Watches or warnings may be issued closer to the event as the path of this low pressure system becomes more certain.”
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts and alerts issued by Environment Canada as the system develops.
To report severe weather, Environment Canada said residents can send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
