What to know
- Toronto and much of the GTA are under a severe thunderstorm watch as storms are expected to develop Saturday afternoon.
- Environment Canada says the strongest storms could produce wind gusts up to 110 km/h, large hail between the size of quarters and ping pong balls, and 25 to 40 mm of rain.
- A severe thunderstorm warning has already been issued for Halton Hills, Milton and Brampton, where meteorologists say a storm capable of producing a tornado is moving east.
- Residents are urged to monitor weather alerts and take shelter immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Toronto and much of the Greater Toronto Area are under a severe thunderstorm watch as Environment Canada warns that potentially dangerous storms could move across the region Saturday afternoon.
The national weather agency says thunderstorms are expected to develop beginning around noon as a cold front pushes southeast from Michigan, bringing the risk of damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall.
Environment Canada says the strongest storms could produce wind gusts of up to 110 km/h, hail ranging from the size of quarters to ping pong balls, and between 25 and 40 millimetres of rain in a short period.
Severe storm capable of producing a tornado tracked west of Toronto
As of Saturday afternoon, Environment Canada had also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Halton Hills, Milton and Brampton, where meteorologists were tracking a dangerous storm moving east at roughly 40 km/h.
The weather agency says the storm may be capable of producing a tornado, warning residents in the affected area that the situation is potentially life-threatening.
The warning also cites damaging wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, heavy rainfall between 15 and 30 millimetres, large hail and dangerous lightning.
While Toronto is not currently included in the severe thunderstorm warning, weather officials caution that storms can intensify or change direction quickly as they move east across southern Ontario.
Power outages and flash flooding possible
Environment Canada warns severe thunderstorms can knock down trees and power lines, leading to localized power outages.
Heavy rain may also cause flash flooding, water pooling on roads and significantly reduced visibility for drivers.
Emergency Management Ontario is urging residents to seek shelter immediately if threatening weather develops and to remain indoors until the storm passes.
Anyone outdoors should move into a sturdy building and stay away from windows if severe weather approaches.
How to stay safe during severe thunderstorms
Environment Canada recommends residents:
- Move indoors when thunder roars.
- Stay away from windows and glass doors during severe storms.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads.
- Secure loose outdoor furniture or objects that could become airborne.
- Continue monitoring Environment Canada weather alerts throughout the afternoon.
Officials note that severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly and occasionally produce tornadoes, even if a tornado warning has not yet been issued.
