Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for parts of southern Ontario ahead of potentially severe storms Tuesday.
The advisory covers western areas of the region, stretching from Goderich, through the Barrie area, up to Algonquin Park.
Some northern areas of the province, including North Bay and Killarney, are also covered by the watch.
“A line of severe thunderstorms is expected to move eastward across the regions this afternoon,” the weather agency said.
“Some of these storms will likely contain tornadoes. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.”
Later in the afternoon, Environment Canada also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of southwestern Ontario.
The affected area stretched from Windsor to Peel, including London, Guelph and Waterloo Region.
The alert suggested “dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.”
It also warned of wind gusts of up to 110 km/h along with the potential for tornadoes.
Global News meteorologist Anthony Farnell said the volatile weather conditions are coming as a warm front moves north and a cold front approaches from the west.
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“Morning and early afternoon sunshine is heating the atmosphere and will add energy to the thunderstorms that will develop ahead of the cold front late this afternoon between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.,” he said.
“Discrete supercells will have the potential to produce tornadoes across the watch area and then these storms will consolidate into a line that moves quickly east as the evening progresses.”
Farnell said the concern for the rest of southern Ontario is damaging winds after dark. He said hail and frequent lightning are also likely in some storms.
In the Greater Toronto Area, poor weather conditions can be expected between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., with improvement after midnight.
“This is a similar setup to the severe weather day we had last Tuesday,” Farnell added.
“We’ve already had a record-setting 13 EF2 or stronger tornadoes in Ontario this season and today could add to that total.”
Farnell said September has so far been “extremely active” with warm and humid conditions more typical for August encountering low-pressure systems and jet streams more typical for October.
He added that “much above normal” temperatures are in the forecast for the second half of September, with the potential for more severe storms.
Environment Canada said if a tornado warning is issued, individuals are advised to go indoors to the lowest floor, away from walls and windows.
Residents are advised to leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents and trailers and go to a strong building if possible.
“As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris,” the advisory said.
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