While several major weekend events are in full swing and many are up at their cottages, Mother Nature could affect some weekend plans. Yellow severe thunderstorm watches have been issued on Saturday for much of Simcoe County and southern Ontario. According to Environment Canada, impacted areas could see Saturday afternoon storms with wind gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall, including quarter-sized hail. “Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” confirmed the weather agency. “Local utility outages are possible.” The watches encompass Barrie, Innisfil the southeast shores of Georgian Bay, the Greater Toronto Area and the Niagara Region. They reach as far west as London and the east shores of Lake Huron. Oro-Medonte, Orillia and Alliston are also under yellow severe thunderstorm watches as Boots and Hearts, the Orillia Waterfront Festival, and Alliston Potato Festival are taking place. “Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or rain,” continued Environment Canada. “Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.”
