Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Northumberland and Quinte regions, saying damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h and large hail are possible, along with a risk of a tornado.
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms starting this afternoon – Tuesday, April 29 – and into early evening, reads Environment Canada’s alert.
Officials also said large hail – up to four centimetres – is possible. This is due to a cold front moving through the area, which is expected to trigger the severe thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Officials are also reminding residents that large hail can damage property and cause injury. Similarly, the strong wind gusts can cause damage to buildings, down trees and even blow large vehicles off the road, reads Environment Canada’s alert.
Environment Canada is encouraging people to be prepared for severe weather and recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Officials also said people should stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes.
“There isn’t a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.”
Emergency Management Ontario also recommends people take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts.
Area municipal officials are also echoing safety messages, while highlighting that utility outages are also possible.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
