Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec, warning that a tornado is possible from late Wednesday morning until the evening, particularly north of the Highway 401 area.
The highest risk of tornadoes is in the Ottawa River valley region. If conditions worsen, the agency may upgrade to a tornado watch or warning. In the event of a tornado, residents are advised to seek shelter away from exterior walls and windows, preferably in a basement or on the ground floor, and to avoid staying in vehicles.
The storm may also bring strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall of up to 50 millimetres within an hour. Areas closer to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are not currently at risk for tornadoes.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are likely to produce large hail, damaging winds, or torrential rainfall. These watches escalate to warnings if any of these severe conditions become imminent.
Residents are reminded to stay alert and take cover if severe weather approaches.
