A tornado watch ended in Chatham-Kent at 3:13 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
However, a severe thunderstorm watch was put in place instead.
Environment Canada officials say conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.
Hazards, include: Wind gusts near 90 km/h and hail up to nickel size.
The timing is this afternoon.
“Two lines of thunderstorms are tracking over southern Ontario. These lines of thunderstorms have weakened but still may be accompanied by strong wind gusts and hail,” forecasters say.
“Thunderstorms are expected to move east of the area late this afternoon. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.”
Environment Canada officials added: “Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors. Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.”
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
For more information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency.
This story will be updated.
