Environment Canada says conditions favourable for severe thunderstorms

WEST CARLETON – Environment Canada is reporting “conditions are favourable” for the development of severe thunderstorms in to this evening (May 15).

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain this afternoon through early this evening,” Environment Canada released in a statement today (May 15).

In the Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued around 1 p.m., Environment Canada says strong wind gusts up to 90 kilometres-per-hour, nickel size hail, and heavy downpours with rainfall amounts up to 50 millimetres.

“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” Environment Canada said. “Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. 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.”

Continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

For more information: http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html.