Severe thunderstorm warning issued for much of southwestern Ontario

(Source: Google Earth, Environment Canada)

A cold front blowing across southern Ontario Friday afternoon and evening was expected to bring thunderstorms to the area – Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for some regions, and severe thunderstorm warnings for some areas.

All watches and warnings have since been lifted.

The severe thunderstorm watch extended along most of the coast, with strong wind gusts and heavy rain, small hail was also possible, and the threat of a tornado “cannot be ruled out,” according to Environment Canada.

It also said that heavy downpours were likely to cause flash flooding and water pooling on roads. 

London, Huron County, Middlesex and Sarnia were under a severe thunderstorm warning, with more severe conditions expected. Environment Canada said that wind gusts in the region could reach up to 90 km/h, with up to nickel sized hail possible.