Funnel cloud storm alert issued for part of southern Ontario

A special weather statement has been issued for thunderstorms, funnel clouds and possible landspout tornadoes in a part of southwestern Ontario.

Conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds on Saturday afternoon in the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia area, according to a weather alert from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The alert was later expanded to include London, Parkhill, Eastern Middlesex County, St. Thomas, Aylmer and Eastern Elgin County.

Thunderstorms tracking over the area may be accompanied by funnel clouds.

These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms, Environment Canada says in the alert.

This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado, the alert states.

Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage but can still be dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.

Wind gusts up to 70 km/h are also expected.

The area shaded in grey was under a special weather statement for thunderstorms and funnel clouds on Saturday. Map: Environment Canada