Update: The thunderstorm watch was ended at 5:14 p.m. in Chatham-Kent.
Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Chatham-Kent at 4:10 p.m. Here are the details:
Conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms late this afternoon into this evening as a cold front moves in from Michigan.
Hazards:
Damaging wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h
Nickel to toonie-sized hail
Heavy downpours
Timing:
Now into this evening.
Discussion:
A cold front is sweeping across southern Ontario from west to east today. Along the front, scattered thunderstorms are developing. Some of these storms could become severe, with damaging winds, heavy rain and large hail the main threats.
Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
For more information: http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html.
This story will be updated.
