A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Ontario and people are advised to take cover
Parts of the province are under a tornado warning and people in affected areas are advised to take shelter immediately as Ontario's weather takes a turn.
According to The Weather Network, the areas currently under tornado warnings are:
- Algonquin
- Bancroft - Bon Echo Park
- Barrie - Orillia - Midland
- Burk's Falls - Bayfield Inlet
- Dufferin - Innisfil
- Haliburton
- Halton - Peel
- Parry Sound - Muskoka
- Peterborough - Kawartha Lakes
- Renfrew - Pembroke - Barry's Bay
- York - Durham
In northern Ontario, ECCC has issued tornado warnings for Timmins, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls.
"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches," ECCC said of the warning issued for the north.
"Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”
According to TWN, today could be a record for the current season with severe storms and other weather phenomena.
"In fact, Thursday has the potential to be the most severe weather day of the season so far for southern Ontario and western Quebec, so it will be important to stay on top of the weather watches and warnings in your area, as conditions can change quickly when severe weather hits," they advised.
The stormy weather will stick around through the evening, but the conditions for the weekend are looking favourable with sunshine, light winds and comfortable temperatures expected.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Storm damage around Belleville, Ontario.