SUDBURY -- Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several communities in the northeast.

Affected areas are Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Powassan, Mattawa, Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Temiskaming Shores – Temagami, Espanola, Killarney, West Nipissing and French River.

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

"These severe thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon into this evening."

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

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

To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.