Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Toronto and GTA – nickle-sized hail is possible

Air quality statement still in effect for southern Ontario due to wildfires

Although most Torontonians would not opt to place the words, favourable and thunderstorm in the same sentence, Environment Canada is reporting that “conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail.” Their weather statement says the storms may occur late afternoon into the evening.

Environment Canada warns of the following Hazards:
90 km/h wind gusts
Up to nickel size hail

The thunderstorms are expected to develop during the late afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be capable of producing strong winds and hail. The potential for thunderstorms will continue into the evening.

GTA residents can expect “very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. 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.

For more information: http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html.

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