(Unsplash photo)
UPDATE 2:30 P.M. At 2:12 p.m. Environment Canada updated its weather alert to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, saying meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, pea to dime size hail and heavy rain.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Ottawa Valley.
Weather officials say that late this morning through to this evening, conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
Potential hazards include strong winds gusting up to 110 km/h, torrential downpours with 50 millimetres falling within an hour, nickel to golf ball sized hail and risk of a tornado.
“The main threats will be strong winds, torrential downpours and hail. There is also a risk of a tornado today, especially towards the Ottawa River Valley,” reads the alert. “Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.”
The warning goes on to say that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
The public is asked to 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.
(Sherry Haaima)