Severe storms prompted Environment Canada to issue a tornado warning for the London, Ont., area Tuesday evening, with meteorologists warning of possible tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail. While the warning for London has since ended as the storm moved east, several other communities remain under tornado warnings.
A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for London and much of southwestern Ontario. Environment Canada says the storm system is capable of producing wind gusts up to 110 km/h, quarter-sized hail and heavy rain. There also remains a risk of a tornado.
The line of thunderstorms was moving east from Chatham toward Port Stanley at roughly 70 km/h on Tuesday evening.
Environment Canada later issued tornado warnings for communities east of London, including Woodstock and Brantford-Brant County.
Meteorologists said at about 6:30 p.m. EDT they were tracking a severe thunderstorm producing tornadoes near Burgessville and Springford, moving east at 80 km/h.
Communities potentially in the storm’s path include Norwich, Otterville, Princeton, Teeterville, Burford, Scotland, Waterford, Brantford and surrounding areas in Brant County.
The weather agency warned the storm could produce tornadoes, wind gusts between 110 and 130 km/h, quarter-sized hail and intense rainfall.
“This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the alert said.
Environment Canada said utility outages are likely and damage to roofs, fences, trees and temporary structures is possible.
Residents are being urged to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy shelter if threatening weather approaches. People outdoors are advised to protect themselves from flying debris, hail and lightning.
