UPDATE: At 8 p.m. Environment Canada downgraded the Tornado warning to a Severe Thunderstorm warning.
"A second severe thunderstorm is located 10 kilometres south of Powassan, moving east at 35 km/h," Environment stated.
Locations impacted in our region include Trout Creek.
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At 6:34 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado. Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.
The Weather Network and Environment Canada state the Tornado warning is for Powassan, North Bay and Mattawa areas. According to the Weather Network the storm is tracking towards the Lake Nosbonsing and Bonfield area.
Environment Canada officials warn this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Hazards include Nickel to toonie size hail, 90 km/h wind gusts and a tornado is possible.
Witnesses near Powassan reported heavy rain, hail and what appeared to be a forming funnel cloud which had not touched down.
Tornado warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing tornadoes.
Recommended action
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.
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!
