Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Toronto could bring heavy hail

TORONTO, ON., June 2 — It may come as a surprise considering the gorgeous sunny weather happening around the GTA today, but Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Toronto for this evening. The statement from Canada’s trusted weather source says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may also be capable of producing large hail.

The weather statement says that isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move rapidly southeastward across portions of the GTA during the mid to late evening hours. It is expected to develop quickly and move across the GTA quickly between 8 pm and 10 pm.

The storms may contain 2 to 4 cm hail and wind gusts of 80 km/h. Brief but torrential wind swept downpours and frequent lightning may also be associated with some of these storms.

According to Environment Canada the storms are expected to be localised and could hit some areas while missing others. Most areas of the city will receive rain showers while other areas could be hit hard.

Large hail and strong wind, intense lightning warnings

Environment Canada warns that 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.

Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Environment Canada also warns that sometimes with severe thunderstorms tornadoes can be produced.

Residents are asked to beware that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

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 ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.