WC under severe thunderstorm watch July 15
Special to WC Online
WEST CARLETON – The West Carleton area is part of a chunk of eastern Ontario now under a severe thunderstorm watch.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain,” Environment and Climate Change Canada released in a statement this afternoon (July 15). “Wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour. Toonie sized hail. Local rainfall amounts up to 100 millimetres.”
Environment Canada staff say the watch will be from this afternoon into this evening.
“Thunderstorms are slowly tracking east over central and eastern Ontario,” staff said, “The primary threat is heavy rain approaching 100 mm within nearly stationary lines of thunderstorms. Wind gusts of 100 km/h and toonie sized hail is also possible.”
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. 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,” Environment Canada said. “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,” Environment Canada said.
