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Environment Canada warns of severe thunderstorms, possible tornado conditions

August 16, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Environment Canada has issued a weather statement warning that a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the area. Posted earlier this morning, the release identifies Orangeville, Grand Valley, Southern Dufferin County, Shelburne, Mansfield, and Northern Dufferin County as just some of the communities affected by this watch.

The warnings follow a heavy rainfall advisory that was reissued at approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, identifying a moisture-laden disturbance from Texas as the reason behind the storms.

While the rain will be welcome by many in the area due to the dry temperatures as of late, Environment Canada warns the heavy downpours can be damaging.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on the roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.”

In the statement regarding the severe thunderstorms, Environment Canada stated it is likely that the storms will begin to develop over portions of the regions late morning and early afternoon.

“Some of these storms will have the potential to become severe with damaging winds and torrential downpours.”

They added that due to the conditions, there is also a risk of the creation of an isolated tornado.

“Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on the roads.”

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the formation of volatile storms that could produce hail, damaging winds, and torrential rainfall. A watch is upgraded to a warning when the storm is imminent.

Environment Canada will monitor the storm and post updated alerts should the situation progress with the development of tornados.

They added a reminder from the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency management that should threatening weather approach, you should take cover immediately.

Residents are reminded to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Anyone wishing to report severe weather can do so via email at storm.ontario@ec.gc.ca or can tweet to Environment Canada using the hashtag #ONStorm.

Conditions for the storm are expected to last throughout the afternoon, and into the early evening today (Tuesday).

For more information on how to properly prepare for severe weather, visit emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fireboatks/18970323232

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