Risk of tornadoes part of severe thunderstorm watch east of Sault

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for an area east of the Sault that includes the risk of tornadoes and 100 km/h wind gusts.

The watch runs into this evening.

Following is the full alert issued by Environment Canada:

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for:

• Greater Sudbury and vicinity, Ont.
• Elliot Lake - Ranger Lake, Ont.
• Temiskaming Shores - Temagami, Ont.
• North Bay - West Nipissing, Ont.
• Blind River - Thessalon, Ont.
• Espanola - Killarney, Ont.

Current details:
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

Hazards:
Wind gusts up to 100 km/h.
Nickel sized hail.
Torrential downpours.
Risk of tornadoes.

Timing:
Today continuing into this evening.

Discussion:
Thunderstorms are expected to develop today and track east. These thunderstorms may be accompanied by wind gusts of 100 km/h and nickel sized hail. There is also a risk of tornadoes.

Heavy rain is also expected with these thunderstorms. Please refer to the Rainfall Warnings and Special Weather Statements in effect for details about rainfall.

Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email or tweet reports using #ONStorm.