All thunderstorm watches, warnings in northeastern Ont. lifted

Update:

As of Sunday morning all weather watches, warnings and special weather statements for northeastern Ontario were lifted.

Original story:

Many areas in northeastern Ontario are under a severe thunderstorm watch – with some now under severe thunderstorm warnings, Environment Canada said Saturday.

Weather alert map for northern Ontario (Red - warnings, Yellow - watches and Grey - special weather statement) as of 5:30 p.m. on June 29, 2024. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding communities are now under a thunderstorm warning with significant rainfall expected.

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“Thunderstorm development is expected today northeast and east of Lake Superior,” the alert from Environment Canada said.

“Some of these thunderstorms may become severe with strong wind gusts and hail as the primary threats.”

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The strength of these thunderstorms is highly dependent on how much clearing of clouds takes place during the day. The main risks associated with these storms are strong winds and hail.

“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,” said Environment Canada meteorologists.

“Heavy rain is also possible. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.”

Total rainfall amounts of 30 to 45 mm are expected for most of the northeast with higher amounts possible in areas of intense thunderstorm activity.

“Showers will taper off this evening from west to east,” reads the special weather statement.

The areas under the thunderstorm watch can expect wind gusts of nearly 90km/h and up to twoonie-sized hail, according to Environment Canada.

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are conducive to the formation of thunderstorms that could be accompanied by at least one of the following: large hail, destructive winds or torrential rain.

Storm warning

“At 5:19 Pp.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts,” reads the alert for the thunderstorm warning.

“This severe thunderstorm is located near McCluskie Lake, moving east at 60 km/h.”

“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” added Environment Canada meteorologists.

Hazardous wind gusts up to 90km/h are expected in the warning area.

“Locally heavy rain is also possible,” reads the alert.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds and torrential rainfall.

Be safe

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year,” said Environment Canada officials.

“Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”

For more information on preparing for emergencies, visit Emergency Management Ontario’s website.

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To report severe weather, send an email to [e-mail] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.