A trough of low-pressure hanging back over eastern areas of the Maritimes triggered rounds of thunderstorms on Friday. A series of Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued by Environment Canada. The Severe Thunderstorm Warnings make use of the new polygon warning system implemented by the weather agency. The new warning system allows for a more localized Severe Thunderstorm Warning to be issued instead of just blanket coverage for entire counties. The goal is to prevent warnings for those who are not in the vicinity or direct path of the more severe weather. The warnings can be more localized than the watches because the warnings are only issued when a severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring. The watches cover larger areas as they asses the potential for severe thunderstorms to develop over a period of time. The hazards posed by these severe thunderstorms are primarily downpours that could lead to instances of localized flooding and lightning. The thunderstorm activity will end through Friday evening with the loss of daytime heating.
