Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Toronto and GTA

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) this afternoon by Environment Canada, warning of torrential downpours and a potential risk of tornadoes.

According to Environment Canada, thunderstorms are expected to form later today with hazardous conditions including wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, nickel to toonie-sized hail, and torrential downpours being possible.

The advisory from Environment Canada noted that tornadoes “cannot be ruled out,” particularly in areas to the west of the Golden Horseshoe and south of Georgian Bay.

The watch emphasized the potential for damages from large hail, strong wind gusts that can toss loose objects and damage buildings, and heavy rain that may lead to flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Toronto is expected to experience local rainfall amounts between 30 and 40 millimetres. The city is set to have a high temperature of 26 C today but will feel closer to 35 C with the humidity triggering a heightened heat index.