Severe thunderstorm alerts issued as weather tracks east toward Toronto

Weather watches, warnings and advisories were issued across parts of both southern and northern Ontario as thunderstorms move in.

On Wednesday, Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across the south, with a system moving from west to east.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain,” the watch warned during the afternoon.

Later, a warning moved through London, Ont., and the surrounding area, heading for the Greater Toronto Area through the evening.

Around 6:50 p.m., with the storm over Stratford, Ont., the weather agency said it believed the storm was “capable of producing strong wind gusts and heavy rain.”

Global News Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell said the storm would die down as it headed east.

“This is moving at a pretty good clip but the sun is setting so it becomes more stable,” he said.

“These storms will weaken as they move into Toronto. But still lightning strikes with strong gusts of wind and potentially quite a bit of rain in a short period of time in eastern Ontario.”

Around 7 p.m., the affected area stretched from London to the Greater Toronto Area and up to Sault Ste. Marie.

Environment Canada says the thunderstorms are expected to arrive in the afternoon and continue into the early evening as a cold front arrives in the area.

The agency said that the region could see wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, heavy downpours and nickel-sized hail.

It noted that the strong gusts of wind can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

The warning also said that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Environment Canada says you should be prepared to take action if threatening weather approaches.

“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”

Separately, a heat advisory was in effect over Ottawa, with heat warnings in Moose Factory and other parts of northern Ontario.