Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologists have issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for a large swath of Ontario heading into Thursday afternoon and evening.
According to weather alerts published Thursday morning, tornado watches were in effect for parts, or all, of the following regions:
- Northern York Region
- Northern Durham Region
- Algonquin
- Bancoft, Bon Echo Park, Kaladar
- Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Collingwood
- Caledon
- Orangeville, Innisfil, Dufferin County
- Haliburton
- Bracebridge, Huntsville, Port Severn
- Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes
- Renfrew, Pembroke, Barry’s Bay
Meteorologists said “conditions are favourable” for severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes in Ontario. They said wind gusts could reach 110 km/h with large hail and heavy rain being possible.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the tornado watch said.
“Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.”
Should a tornado develop, residents were encouraged to stay indoors, go to a room on the lowest floor of the building, and stay away from outside walls and windows. If someone is in a vehicle, tent, trailer or other temporary shelter, they were encouraged to go to as strong a building as possible. If this can’t be done, people were encouraged to lie in a low spot and protect their heads from potential debris.
In addition to the tornado watches, severe thunderstorm watches were issued for the following regions
- Burk’s Falls, Bayfield Inlet
- Chapleau, Gogama
- Elliot Lake
- Sudbury
- Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound
- Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami
- Blind River, Killarney
- North Bay, West Nipissing
- Parry Sound, Killbear Park
- Timmins, Cochrane
- Mount Forest, Arthur, Northern Wellington County
Meanwhile, officials urged people in Ontario to pay attention to their mobile devices and local media in case emergency warnings are issued.
This is a developing story that will be updated. See the latest forecast details here.
Thunderstorm Outlook for today ⛈️
Thunderstorms that may produce significant winds, toonie sized hail and possible tornadoes are expected for most of S and E ON. The possibility of isolated thunderstorms remains for portions of N and S ON.#ONStorm #ONWx pic.twitter.com/YQNi79Idf0
— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) June 13, 2024