Unusual and potentially hazardous thunderstorms are approaching the Belleville, Napanee, and Prince Edward County regions this Wednesday afternoon and evening, as reported by Environment Canada. The weather agency has issued an orange-level severe thunderstorm watch, indicating a moderate level of severity. While there is some uncertainty regarding the storm’s strength, there is a possibility of a significant severe weather threat, as stated in an alert issued around 12:20 p.m.
The alert warns of the potential for hail ranging from quarter to ping-pong ball size, winds exceeding 110 kilometers per hour, the formation of a tornado, and up to 50 millimeters of rainfall. Environment Canada cautions that utility outages, property damage, and tree destruction are possible outcomes, advising the public to seek shelter in the event of threatening weather conditions.
In neighboring areas to the north such as Bancroft, Pembroke, and Tweed, a yellow-level severe thunderstorm watch is in effect, extending up to the Ottawa-Renfrew County border. Another yellow watch encompasses the Outaouais region. However, there are no alerts currently issued for Cornwall, Kingston, or Ottawa.
It is important to note that watches indicate the possibility of disruptive weather, while warnings signify that the severe weather event is either occurring or likely imminent.