Severe Weather Alerts across Ontario and Quebec Prompt Tornado Watch

Severe weather alerts have been issued across Ontario and Quebec, prompting a tornado watch by Environment Canada. The alerts, stretching from Sault Ste. Marie to Wellington County, warn of impending dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, damaging hail, and heavy rainfall throughout the afternoon and evening.

While major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City currently lie outside the watch boundaries, meteorologist Kelsey McEwen suggests that the risk of severe storms could still extend to these areas. The potential impacts include hot and humid temperatures, wind gusts of up to 110 km/h, hail up to three centimeters in diameter, and possible tornado activity in certain regions.

According to federal authorities, severe thunderstorms may result in tornadoes, making it crucial for residents to take precautions. The advice recommends seeking shelter on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and external walls. Temporary structures like tents, mobile homes, and vehicles should be avoided due to the risk of high wind velocity, lightning strikes, and debris.

While the watch does not yet reach the level of a warning, Environment Canada highlights that under thunderstorm and tornado conditions, warnings can arise rapidly with minimal notice. The storm activity is expected to move through the Great Lakes region, with potential impacts reaching Toronto and Montreal later in the day. The weather system may progress to Atlantic Canada by Friday, as indicated by McEwen’s analysis.