Five people taken to hospital after being hit by lightning in SW Ont.: police

Lightning strikes east Mesa, Ariz., Friday, July 29, 2016. (Michael Chow/The Arizona Republic via AP)

COURTLAND, Ont. -- Provincial police say five people -- three adults and two children -- and a family dog suffered minor injuries Monday when they were hit by lightning in southwestern Ontario.

Police say they were hit in Courtland, Ont., a community about 35 kilometres south of Woodstock, Ont., around 3:45 p.m.

OPP say they were standing under two large maple trees when they were struck.

Police say all five people were taken to hospital where it was determined they'd suffered minor injuries.

Environment Canada says severe thunderstorm warnings and watches are in effect in the area.

The agency says up to 10 people are killed and another 150 to 160 people are injured as a result of lightning strikes every year in Canada.