Severe storms prompted Environment Canada to issue a tornado warning for the London, Ont., and Brantford areas 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 communities remain under thunderstorm watches and warnings.
In Hamilton, around 7 p.m., Environment Canada said “meteorologists are tracking an extremely dangerous thunderstorm capable of producing destructive wind gusts,” with the storm reaching as far as Niagara Falls and Fort Erie.
“Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches,” the agency said.
Earlier in the day, Environment Canada spoke about the potential for a tornado.
“The wind is the main threat with this,” Alyssa Young, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, told CBC’s Afternoon Drive. “There’s a threat of winds in excess of 90 kilometres an hour as well as the potential for that spinning rotational wind.”
As of the early evening, severe thunderstorm warnings had ended for London and
As of early evening, severe thunderstorm warnings remained 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.
Young said one significant storm had already passed through London, bringing winds approaching 90 km/h, while another dangerous line of storms was heading east.
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., 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.
Young said the conditions for severe weather developed after unusually warm temperatures over the past two days collided with an advancing cold front.
“That cold front has provided a bit of a trigger,” she said. “The collision of the front with these storms and that boundary helps to create even more potential for tornadoes to develop.”
Environment Canada said utility outages are likely and damage to roofs, fences, trees and temporary structures is possible. London Hydro has reported several power outages across the city.
Residents are being urged to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy shelter if threatening weather approaches.
“If you’re inside, especially if there’s tornado warnings, find an interior room away from glass,” Young said. “A basement if you have one, things like that.”
If you have photos or videos of the storm or reports of damage in your neighbourhood, please send an email to [email protected].
