Severe thunderstorm warning issued for areas near Timmins

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning early Monday evening for communities near Timmins. (File)

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning early Monday evening for communities near Timmins.

Communities affected include: West Montreal River Provincial Park, Matachewan, Tyranite, Carman Bay, Penassi Lake, Rankin Lake, Argyle Lake, Gowganda, O'Brien, Mistinikon Lake, Moose Lake, Spider Lake, Gowganda Lake and Watabeag.

“Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, nickel to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain,” the weather forecaster said.

“This cluster of severe thunderstorms is located from 20 kilometres south of Kettle Lakes Provincial Park to 25 kilometres west of Matachewan to 20 kilometres east of Morin Village, moving northeast at 55 km/h.”

Possible hazards include nickel to ping pong ball size hail and 90 km/h wind gusts.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

“Large hail can damage property and cause injury,” Environment Canada said.

“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops.”

To report severe weather, send an email to [e-mail].