Update: Tornado warning ends, severe thunderstorm warning in place in Chatham-Kent.
Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning Thursday evening as a line of storms moved through the area.
At 7:48 p.m. EDT, meteorologists said they were tracking thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts and hail up to quarter-size.
Officials described the impact level as moderate with high forecast confidence.
Residents were urged to take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approached, and to protect themselves from flying debris and hail if outdoors. People were also advised to seek shelter immediately if they hear roaring wind, see a funnel cloud, or notice any other signs of severe weather.
Emergency Management Ontario reiterated that residents should take cover immediately if threatening weather develops.
Environment Canada noted that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes and said warnings are issued when damaging wind, hail or rain is imminent or already occurring.
Residents were encouraged to continue monitoring weather alerts and forecasts as conditions evolved.
UPDATE: Tornado warning in effect.
Environment Canada issued a tornado warning Thursday evening after meteorologists began tracking a severe thunderstorm that was possibly producing a tornado over Moraviantown.
The warning, issued at 7:06 p.m. EDT, said the storm was moving east at about 40 km/h toward Thamesville, Ridgetown, Highgate and Rodney.
The storm was also capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall.
Environment Canada described the situation as “very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.”
Residents in the storm’s path were urged to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room or other sturdy shelter if threatening weather approached. Those without access to shelter were advised to lie in a low-lying area and protect their heads from flying debris. Boaters were advised to return to shore and seek shelter if possible or move away from the storm’s path while wearing a lifejacket and protecting their heads.
Environment Canada said tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado.
The agency urged residents to continue monitoring forecasts and weather alerts as the storm moved through the region.
UPDATE: Tornado warning issued in Chatham-Kent.
Environment Canada issued a tornado warning Thursday evening as meteorologists tracked a severe thunderstorm that was possibly producing a tornado.
The warning, issued at 7:01 p.m. EDT, said the storm was also capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall.
Environment Canada described the situation as “very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.”
Residents were urged to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room or other sturdy shelter if threatening weather approached. Those without access to shelter were advised to lie in a low-lying area and protect their heads from flying debris. Boaters were advised to return to shore and seek shelter if possible or move away from the storm’s path while wearing a lifejacket and protecting their heads.
Environment Canada said tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado.
The agency urged residents to continue monitoring forecasts and weather alerts as the storm moved through the area.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Ontario, warning that conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
The national weather agency said thunderstorms could produce wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, hail as large as a toonie and a risk of a tornado.
Forecasters said showers and thunderstorms are expected to intensify early Thursday afternoon, with the potential for a brief tornado once the storms strengthen.
Local utility outages are possible as the storms move through the area.
Environment Canada is urging residents to be prepared for severe weather and to take shelter in a basement or interior room if threatening weather approaches. People who are outdoors are advised to protect themselves from flying debris and hail and to secure loose outdoor objects.
The weather agency said severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or heavy rain.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts and weather alerts issued by Environment Canada.
