Environment Canada issues WC severe thunderstorm watch Tuesday afternoon

WEST CARLETON – As the plus-30 degree Celsius heat nears its breaking point, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the West Carleton area this afternoon (July 11).

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” Environment Canada released in a statement this afternoon. “Scattered thunderstorms are expected to move through the region this afternoon ahead of a cold front. The main hazards with any storms will be wind gusts up to 90 km/h and up to ping pong ball sized hail.”

Environment Canada says localized heavy rainfall could hit the area as well, expecting all this storm potential sometime this afternoon.

“Large hail can damage property and cause injury,” Environment Canada said. “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. 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.”