Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region, including Stratford and Mitchell.
In additions to strong wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail, the storms have the potential to produce tornadoes.
Full text of the Environment Canada statement follows:
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for:
• Listowel - Milverton - Northern Perth County
• Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain
Hazards:
Wind gusts near 100 km/h
Ping pong ball size hail
Torrential downpours with rainfall amounts possibly in excess of 50 mm
Risk of tornadoes
Timing:
Into this evening
Discussion:
Thunderstorms are expected today. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe with strong winds, large hail and heavy rain. Tornadoes also can not be ruled out. The potential for severe thunderstorms will come to an end this evening.
If conditions become more favourable for tornadoes, this watch will be upgraded to a tornado watch.
Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes. There isn't a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
