At 3:39 p.m. on Tuesday, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch, in effect for:
- North Bay - West Nipissing
- Powassan - Mattawa
- Deep River - Whitney - Eastern Algonquin Park
Environment Canada reports conditions are favourable this afternoon and evening for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
Thunderstorms will have the potential to become severe this afternoon as a cold front moves over northeastern Ontario. The main threats will be up to nickel-sized hail and strong wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour. Rainfall amounts of up to 50 millimetres are possible should thunderstorms track over the same area.
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.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. 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, and torrential rainfall.
Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
