SUDBURY -- Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches for several communities across northeastern Ontario Monday.

Affected areas include:

  • Attawapiskat
  • Chapleau
  • Cochrane
  • Foleyet
  • Fort Albany
  • Fraserdale
  • French River
  • Gogama
  • Greater Sudbury and vicinity
  • Hearst
  • Iroquois Falls
  • Kapuskasing
  • Kesagami Lake
  • Little Abitibi
  • Mattawa
  • Missinaibi Lake
  • Moosonee
  • North Bay
  • Pledger Lake
  • Powassan
  • Smooth Rock Falls
  • Timmins
  • West Nipissing

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail," Environment Canada said in a news release.

The bad weather is expected to begin mid-afternoon into the evening. Damaging wind gusts to 90 km/h are possible, along with scattered large hail to nickel size (2 cm in diametre).

"Large hail can damage property and cause injury," Environment Canada said. "Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles."

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.