Update: The tornado warning has ended in Chatham-Kent.
At 8:04 p.m. EDT, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of southwestern Ontario, tracking a storm near Highgate and Sarnia Harbour moving east at 75 km/h.
The storm is capable of producing damaging wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h and is expected to affect Ridgetown, Corunna, Thamesville, Sarnia, Bothwell, Brights Grove, Wyoming, West Lorne, Watford and Dutton. Environment Canada warns that local power outages are likely, with possible damage to roofs, fences, soft shelters and trees, along with a risk of injury from flying debris.
Residents are urged to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches and continue monitoring Environment Canada alerts and forecasts. Severe weather reports can be submitted to Environment Canada by email at ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or on X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
Update: At 7:40 p.m. EDT, Environment Canada said it was tracking a severe thunderstorm that may be producing a tornado over Pain Court. The storm was moving east at 65 km/h and was expected to affect Chatham, Chatham-Kent, Ridgetown, Erieau, Shrewsbury and Blenheim. Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.
Environment Canada described the situation as very dangerous and potentially life-threatening and urged residents to take shelter immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy building. Those without access to shelter should lie in a low-lying area and protect their head from flying debris. Boaters are advised to return to shore if possible or move away from the tornado’s path while wearing a lifejacket and protecting their head. The agency and Emergency Management Ontario are urging the public to continue monitoring weather alerts and forecasts, noting that tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado. Severe weather reports can be submitted to Environment Canada by email at ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or on X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
Original story: Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for Chatham-Kent, including Rondeau Park, as meteorologists track a severe thunderstorm that may be producing a tornado.
The warning, issued at 7:29 p.m. Friday, said the storm was located over Pain Court at 7:28 p.m. and moving quickly east at 65 kilometres an hour.
Communities in the projected path include Chatham, Chatham-Kent and Ridgetown.
Environment Canada warned the storm could produce a tornado, along with damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall. The agency described the situation as “very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.”
Residents are urged to take shelter immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy building as the storm approaches. Those without access to shelter should lie in a low-lying area and protect their heads from flying debris. Boaters are advised to return to shore and seek shelter if possible, or move away from the tornado’s path while wearing a lifejacket and protecting their head.
Environment Canada said tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado. The agency is advising residents to continue monitoring weather alerts and forecasts as conditions evolve.
This story will be updated.
