Severe thunderstorm warning in effect in southern Ontario

There are severe storm watches and warnings in effect across southern Ontario this morning.

Conditions are favourable for “dangerous thunderstorms” that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain, according to an alert from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

As of 8:30 a.m., are warnings in effect for Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Hamilton, Milton, Halton Hills, Burlington and Oakville. There were watches in effect for Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby and north Durham Region

Watches are issued when there is the potential for severe weather. Warnings are issued when that severe weather is actually occurring or is imminent.

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 and torrential rainfall.

Today (July 16), thunderstorms are tracking eastward over southern Ontario and may produce isolated damaging wind gusts, torrential downpours and large hail, according to Environment Canada.

The line is currently just west of Lake Ontario.

The storms could produce wind gusts up to 90 km/h, local rainfall amounts up to 50 mm and up to nickel-size hail are possible.

The storms are expected this morning into early this afternoon.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year, Environment Canada warns.

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

Lead photo: NOAA