5:26 PM EDT Tuesday 12 August 2014
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for:
Goderich – Bluewater – Southern Huron County
Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County
Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County
Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and torential rain.
A cold front is approaching from the west. A few lines of thunderstorms ahead of the front are forecast to track norrtheastward through portions of the above regions this evening.
These storms will have the potential to give local rainfall amounts of 50 mm in an hour, as well as damaging wind gusts and large hail.
Fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away. Rapidly rising rivers and creeks can sweep away bridges, culverts, buildings, and people. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes. There isn’t a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. In Canada, lightning kills up to 10 people every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media or Weatheradio. Email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.