Conditions in southern Ontario are favorable for the formation of severe thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to Environment Canada. By midday, the federal agency issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of southwestern Ontario, including areas like Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, and Niagara. The region between London and Belleville, extending northward to Port Elgin and Lake Simcoe, may experience the most severe weather conditions.
Environment Canada has raised concerns about potential tornado risks, with wind gusts possibly reaching 110 km/h, up to 50 millimeters of rainfall expected, and the possibility of hail the size of ping pong balls. The agency mentioned the likelihood of thunderstorms developing later in the afternoon along an approaching cold front, although some uncertainty remains due to lingering cloud cover in the area.
The warning highlighted the risks of utility outages, property damage, and tree destruction. People are advised to seek shelter indoors upon hearing thunder to stay safe during the storm.