Severe thunderstorm watch issued for large portion of southern Ontario

(File photo)

People living in southern Ontario could see a powerful storm Thursday night.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several areas including Kitchener, Cambridge, the Region of Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford and Brant County.

The weather office warns wind gusts could reach up to 110 km/h and torrential rainfall could bring more than 50 mm of precipitation to the effected areas. Nickel sized hail is also possible.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable to develop damaging storms.

Utility outages are also possible where we could see significant damage to property, buildings, and trees.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.