Severe thunderstorms are beginning to move into the greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Stay indoors and away from windows when severe weather approaches your location. When strong winds arrive, avoid rooms where tall trees or tree limbs are large. In addition to the risk of damaging wind gusts, these storms could produce large hail, heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. CURRENT TORNADO WATCHES (ONTARIO):
Mount Forest – Arthur – Northern Wellington County Shelburne – Mansfield – Northern Dufferin County Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Gray County Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale Midland – Coldwater – Orr Lake Parry Sound – Muskoka Western Algonquin Park – Lake Of Two Rivers Burk’s Falls – Bayfield Inlet
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Extended severe thunderstorm watches are also in effect for much of southern Ontario through this afternoon. The watch extends from the shores of Erie north through the country, including the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. The threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes will continue for parts of southern Ontario as we move into the evening. For a broader look at the forecast, read on. — The stretch of hot and humid weather continues Wednesday before active weather creeps into much of Ontario and parts of Quebec. Forecasters are watching for a widespread risk of severe thunderstorms that could arrive late afternoon into the evening. Tornado watches are already in effect for areas of southern Ontario. In addition to the risk of tornadoes, the storms could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall. The greatest threat will be to areas near Lake Huron and parts of Lake Erie. For more on Wednesday’s continued heat and risk of severe weather, read on. MUST READ: Everyone needs an emergency kit at home. Here’s how to save yours
WATCH: ‘Sheets of Rain’ lash parts of southern Ontario amid severe storms
WEATHER THREATS LARGE AREA OF ONTARIO WITH A POSSIBILITY OF STORM TO THE SOUTH
Heat warnings remain in effect for most of southern Ontario as hot and humid temperatures continue for another day. Some daytime highs will reach the low 30s with high humidity sending humidex values into the mid and upper 30s during the afternoon hours. During this heat, residents should watch out for the effects of heat illness, including swelling, fainting, heat exhaustion and the worsening of certain health conditions, says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). In addition to the heat, residents should watch for signs of active weather. A strong mid-level disturbance will follow the Great Lakes, shifting the threat of dangerous thunderstorms into southern Ontario. Heat and atmospheric instability will increase during the day in the south, while northern Ontario will see storms continue to rumble through the day. By late afternoon, a front will enter this unstable atmosphere, acting as a trigger for the development of strong storm cells. Supported by wind shear from the nearby trough, some storms will have the potential to rotate – leading to a threat for tornadoes. This threat will be greatest for areas near the shores of Lake Huron and Georgia Bay. In addition to the tornado threat, these storms will pose a risk for large hail, heavy rainfall and damaging straight-line wind gusts. As the storms develop, they will grow into a tail, which may cross the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the evening to early night. The main risk at this time will be damaging winds, although some tornado threat may still exist. Storms will continue to erupt eastward into the evening and overnight, but will lose intensity with the loss of daytime heating. Wow. These surface winds off Lake Huron blow up to 50 km/h. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/t3xeyHC6uo Wow. These surface winds off Lake Huron blow up to 50 km/h. Mark Robinson on Twitter: “Wow. Those surface winds off Lake Huron are up to 50km/h. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/t3xeyHC6uo / Twitter” Mark Robinson on Twitter: “Wow. Huron is firing up to 50km/hr. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/t3xeyHC6uo / Twitter” Mark Robinson on Twitter: “Wow. Those surface winds from Lake Hurro are up to 50km/hr. @weathernetwork # onstorm pic.twitter.com/t3xeyHC6uo / Twitter” — Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) Mark Robinson on Twitter: “Wow. Those winds on the surface of Lake Huron are up to 50 km/h. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/t3xeyHC6uo / Twitter” Power outages are also possible, so it’s a good idea to make sure electronics like cell phones and laptops are fully charged before the storm. It is important to make sure any loose items in the yard, such as umbrellas, furniture and toys, are secured and that inflatables are removed before the storm. Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest conditions across Ontario.
