(Unsplash photo)
Some wild weather may be on the way.
Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for this afternoon (Monday, May 27) in Renfrew, Arnprior and Calabogie.
Officials say conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible, say officials.
Possible hazards include strong wind gusts of up to 90 km/h and torrential downpours.
“A line or area of thunderstorms is expected to push eastward through eastern Ontario this afternoon. The main threats with these thunderstorms will be strong wind gusts and a tornado threat,” reads the alert. “In addition, the moist airmass will allow for storms to produce torrential downpours. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Be prepared for severe weather.”
The public is advised to take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions:
- Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
- Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can.
- As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes. If there is an imminent threat, a warning will be issued.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm. For more information: ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency.