Tornadoes possible in parts of southern Ontario

A weather watch has been issued for severe thunderstorms and a risk of tornadoes in parts of southern Ontario.

The storms could pass through the Kingston area late this morning or early in the afternoon on Thursday, Environment and Climate Change Canada said in the weather alert.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and heavy rain.

Local utility outages are likely. Damage to roofs, fences, soft shelters or trees is also likely, Environment Canada said.

Wind gusts near 90 km/h, heavy rain and the risk of tornadoes are possible, according to the weather alert.

If threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room, Environment Canada advises. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.

Other parts of southern Ontario, including the GTA, were under special weather statements for storms.

Southwesterly wind gusts of 70 km/h, with higher gusts possible, thunderstorms and additional rainfall amounts of five to 20 millimetres were forecast.

The showers and thunderstorms are expected to diminish later this morning.

A weather watch for thunderstorms with a risk of tornadoes was issued for the Kingston area on Thursday. Other areas had alerts for thunderstorms and strong winds.

Lead photo: Ralph W. lambrecht