Strong storm arrives in WC
By Jake Davies - West Carleton Online
WEST CARLETON – The West Carleton community and the rest of Ottawa and the Valley are under a severe thunderstorm warning.
Environment and Climate Change Canada have placed the area under a severe thunderstorm warning today (July 24).
“Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, pea to dime size hail and heavy rain.” Environment Canada released in a statement at 2:40 p.m. today. “This cluster of severe thunderstorms is located from Gloucester to Pakenham, moving northeast at 45 km/h.”
Torrential downpours with 50 millimetres falling within an hour 90 km/h wind gusts. Locations impacted include, Ottawa, Gatineau, Carp, Kanata, Cantley, Chelsea, Nepean, Gloucester and Orléans. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
West Carleton Online reporter Nonie Smart tells us the storm has already arrived in Dunrobin.
“Got a whopper here now, hail, high winds and can’t see the road for rain,” Smart told West Carleton Online at 2:54 p.m.
Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.
“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year,” Environment Canada said. “Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors. Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing 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 in Ontario, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca.
