Environment Canada Issues Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches for Multiple Regions in Ontario

Environment Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for several regions in Ontario, including: *

Tornado watch:

* Eastern Parry Sound District * Northeastern Algonquin Provincial Park * Central and Eastern Haliburton County * Bancroft, Hastings and Belleville areas * Northern Bruce County *

Severe thunderstorm watch:

* Southwestern Ontario * Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region and North Simcoe County * Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions * Eastern Ontario from Kingston to Cornwall * Ottawa and Gatineau These watches are in effect until further notice.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means that conditions are favourable for the development of tornadoes. Residents in the affected areas should be prepared to take shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Residents in the affected areas should be prepared to take cover if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Safety Precautions

Residents in the affected areas should take the following safety precautions: * Monitor weather forecasts and warnings closely. * Have a plan for where you will shelter in the event of a tornado or severe thunderstorm. * Ensure that your home is secure and that loose objects are secured. * Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and ensure that your cell phone is fully charged. * If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room away from windows. * If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, seek shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Environment Canada will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Residents are advised to check the latest weather forecasts and warnings before making any outdoor plans.The Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for a large portion of Ontario. These watches were in effect Thursday afternoon and evening for the following regions:The Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for a large portion of Ontario. These watches were in effect Thursday afternoon and evening for the following regions: – North York Region – North Durham Region – Algonquian – 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 Forecasters have warned that conditions are favorable for severe storms that could produce tornadoes in Ontario. Wind gusts could reach up to 110 kilometers per hour, and large hail and heavy rain are possible. Environment Canada has described this situation as “dangerous and life-threatening” and has urged residents to be prepared for severe weather and to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. In the event of a tornado, residents are advised to stay indoors, go to a room on the lowest floor of the building, and stay away from exterior walls and windows. If someone is in a vehicle, tent, trailer, or other temporary shelter, they are encouraged to go to a more sturdy building as soon as possible. If this is not possible, they should lie down low and protect their heads from possible debris. In addition to the tornado watches, severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for the following regions: – Burk Falls, Bayfield Entrance – Chapleau, Gogama – Lake Eliot – 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, North County Wellington Officials have urged Ontario residents to pay attention to their mobile devices and local media for emergency warnings that may be issued.Environment Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for several regions in Ontario, including: * Windsor-Essex * Chatham-Kent * Middlesex * Oxford * Norfolk * Brant * Haldimand The watches are in effect until further notice. Environment Canada is urging residents in these regions to be prepared for severe weather, including possible tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Residents are advised to take the following precautions: * Stay indoors and away from windows * Seek shelter in a basement or other interior room * Have a plan in place in case of a tornado warning * Monitor weather forecasts and media updates Environment Canada will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as necessary.