Environment Canada say a tornado warning has ended for Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Midland, Coldwater and Orr Lake, Ont., although a severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for those areas, as well as Orillia, Lagoon City and Washago.
According to the federal weather agency, a line of strong to severe thunderstorms is moving east through or toward the regions.
“Damaging wind gusts, brief torrential downpours, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and large hail will also be associated with some of these storms,” Environment Canada said.
“There also is the risk for a tornado.”
In some areas of the region, people have posted on social media reporting hail as large as loonies and toonies as a result of the storm.
In the event of a tornado, Environment Canada says to go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, including a basement, bathroom, stairwell or closet.
“Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can,” the federal weather agency said. “As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”