Environment Canada has issued a weather advisory warning that conditions may be favourable for the development of funnel clouds in parts of Chatham-Kent on Saturday afternoon.
The advisory, issued at 2:55 p.m. EDT, applies to Chatham-Kent and Rondeau Park.
Environment Canada said thunderstorms moving through the area may be accompanied by funnel clouds and wind gusts of up to 70 km/h.
The agency said the funnel clouds are typically generated by weak rotation beneath rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms and “this weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground.”
However, Environment Canada cautioned that “there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.”
“Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous,” the advisory stated. “They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.”
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.
