Tornado watch in northeastern Ontario has ended

Calm on Wakomata Lake, east of Sault Ste. Marie, after powerful storm blew through the region on Sunday. Aug. 29/21 (14-year-old Brooklyn Gioia)

SUDBURY -

Environment Canada says conditions Sunday afternoon and into the evening will produce weather favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may produce tornadoes.

The tornado watch issued for several communities across the northeast including Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and their surrounding areas is now over.

"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," read the alert issued just before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

"Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches."

Environment Canada also listed several potential hazards in the alert including:

• Isolated tornadoes
• Damaging winds near 100 km/h
• Up to Toonie size hail
• Locally heavy downpours

Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.

Should the alert status be upgraded from a 'watch' to a 'warning,' and in the event of a tornado, Environment Canada recommends you take the following actions:

• Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet
• Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can
• As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris

The tornado watch issued for surrounding communities outside major cities include Chapleau Elliot Lake – Ranger Lake, Kapuskasing-Hearst, Kirkland Lake – Temiskaming Shores – Temagami, Manitoulin – Blind River – Killarney, West Nipissing, Superior East region, and Cochrane.

CTV News will continue to provide updates as weather conditions change throughout the day.