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Heavy rainfall

Already, have been issued for the Parry Sound, Rosseau, Huntsville, North Bay and Powassan areas.

“Ongoing showers and thunderstorms are across southwest Ontario right now, stretching from Windsor,� Environment and Climate Change Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said, noting it was starting to approach areas like Kitchener and London earlier this morning (June 18).

“Nothing severe yet with those storms, but there is lightning and there could be flooding, depending how long those storms stay over the same area.�

There could be ponding on roads, Flisfeder said.

The highest risk for severe storms is this afternoon, starting in the Windsor area, and continuing into the afternoon and evening throughout Ontario.

Tornado potential

“There are still gusts of at least 90 km/h. There’s still a but it’s dependent on how storms this morning develop and progress,â€� Flisfeder said. “And if the structure of the atmosphere remains on pace with what the models are showing us. We can’t rule out the possibility of tornadoes.â€�

If conditions are right for a tornado, an  notification may warn you about the unfolding situation on your phone.

“They are issued for tornado warnings or imminently happening severe thunderstorm warnings with at least seven centimetre hail or 130 km/h winds. Not all alerts trigger an “Alert Ready� system.�

The storms will remain in the area throughout the next day.

“Southwestern Ontario will be in the crosshairs of these storms probably until midnight,� he said. “It will progress eastwards across the greater golden horseshoe, the GTA and cottage country.�

Storm moves eastward

The storm will move across Lake Huron in the early morning hours, east across central and eastern Ontario while people are sleeping.

“Through the early morning hours stretching into the afternoon (Thursday), there will be a strong chance of heavy downpours and localized flooding associated with those showers.�

Thunder is also anticipated, and strong wind is still a possibility.

“Especially for cottage country later in the day, and toward eastern Ontario for late morning or early in the afternoon,� Flisfeder said. “The tornado potential for now looks limited to just outside the Ontario border into Quebec, or extreme eastern Ontario could have potential, depending on how quickly the low pressure system progresses eastward.�

To monitor the forecast for your area, or anywhere you are heading to, visit  or the Ìý²¹±è±è.