A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for Elliot Lake and several surrounding areas.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that could produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
“Thunderstorms are expected to develop along or ahead of an advancing cold front this afternoon,” the weather advisory stated.
“The main hazards with any storms will be strong wind gusts and large hail. Late this afternoon and into this evening, storms may train over areas east of Lake Superior which may lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas. A tornado threat cannot be ruled out.”
Find the full statement for Environment Canada below:
Severe thunderstorm watch issued for:
- Agawa - Lake Superior Park, Ont.
- Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay, Ont.
- Elliot Lake - Ranger Lake, Ont.
- Timmins - Cochrane - Iroquois Falls, Ont.
- Chapleau - Gogama, Ont.
Current details:
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
Hazards:
Wind gusts up to 90 km/h.
Nickel to toonie size hail.
Localized heavy rainfall.
Timing:
This afternoon and evening.
Discussion:
Thunderstorms are expected to develop along or ahead of an advancing cold front this afternoon. The main hazards with any storms will be strong wind gusts and large hail. Late this afternoon and into this evening, storms may train over areas east of Lake Superior which may lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas. A tornado threat cannot be ruled out.
Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.
Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
For more information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency.
More details on the alert are available here.