Update: Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch and a wind warning for Chatham-Kent and Rondeau Park as a powerful low-pressure system moves through southern Ontario.
Forecasters say conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this evening, with the threat potentially continuing after midnight. The storms could produce wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, total rainfall amounts of 40 to 60 millimetres in some areas and a risk of tornadoes.
Environment Canada said showers are expected to intensify as the system approaches, bringing the potential for strong winds and heavy rain with thunderstorms. Utility outages are possible.
At the same time, a wind warning remains in effect, with strong southwesterly winds expected to develop overnight into Thursday morning. Gusts of 70 to 90 km/h are forecast as the low-pressure system tracks across southern Ontario.
Environment Canada warned that local utility outages are possible and that damage to roofs, fences, tree branches and soft shelters could occur. Some property damage is also possible.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that residents take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
“When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Secure loose objects,” Environment Canada said in the advisory.
The agency also warned that heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding and significantly reduced visibility.
Environment Canada said severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or rain, while wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Severe weather reports can be submitted by email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or by posting on X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
More information on emergency preparedness is available through the Ontario government.
Original story: 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.
