Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Issued for Newmarket, Barrie, Bracebridge and Innisfil Areas

A tornado watch has been put in effect for several areas including Newmarket, Barrie, Bracebridge, and Innisfil, in Ontario, following a warning by Environment Canada of severe weather conditions.

The affected regions, which include Newmarket, Georgina, Northern York Region, Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, and Angus, are at risk of experiencing strong winds, large hail, heavy rain, and possibly even tornadoes, with wind gusts reaching up to 110 km/h.

The severe weather alert indicates that severe thunderstorms are likely to develop throughout the afternoon and into the evening, posing a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation for residents in these areas.

Emergency Management Ontario advises individuals to take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches, including seeking shelter indoors on the lowest floor away from windows or in a basement, bathroom, stairwell, or interior closet.

In the event of a tornado, individuals are urged to move to a strong building and avoid mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers, or other temporary structures. If caught outside, they are advised to lie in a low spot and protect their heads from flying debris.