Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Toronto and GTA, tornado warnings to the north
TORONTO, ON., Oct. 23, 2020 — A Special Weather Statement has been issued for Toronto and the GTA by Environment Canada.
High winds “Gusty showers and thunderstorms”are headed our way this evening “ahead of a cold front that is forecast to move eastward across the regions this evening. Wind gusts of 70 km/h, brief torrential downpours, and cloud-to-ground lightning will be associated with some of these storms.”
TORNADO WARNINGS IN EFFECT
Meanwhile,as of 4:44pm today, a tornado warning has been issued for areas north of the city including:
- Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale
- Midland – Coldwater – Orr Lake
While as of 5:07 pm today a Tornado Watch has been issued for :
- Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale
- Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago
Uncommon late-season heat and humidity in southern Ontario are the reason for the risk of these severe thunderstorms, and the tornado watch.
Environment Canada meteorologists said they are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado. Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.
“Thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado are heading toward the Midhurst area.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. 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,” reads the weather statement from Environment Canada.
Residents in these areas are advised to 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.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
